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Temporary microglia-depletion after cosmic radiation modifies phagocytic activity and prevents cognitive deficits

Karen Krukowski1,2, Xi Feng1,2, Maria Serena Paladini1,2

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Scientific Reports
|May 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cosmic radiation exposure causes memory loss by affecting brain immune cells called microglia. Temporarily depleting microglia after radiation exposure prevents these long-term cognitive deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Space Medicine

Background:

  • Microglia are key brain immune cells regulating neuronal health and synapses.
  • Cosmic radiation exposure causes long-term cognitive impairments, posing risks for astronauts.
  • The mechanisms underlying radiation-induced cognitive deficits are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of microglia in cosmic radiation-induced cognitive deficits.
  • To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting microglia to mitigate radiation effects.

Main Methods:

  • Rodent models were exposed to cosmic radiation.
  • Temporary microglia depletion was performed one week post-exposure.
  • Gene array profiling was used to analyze neuroinflammatory responses.
  • Microglia function, including phagocytic activity and synaptic protein expression, was assessed.

Main Results:

  • Temporary microglia depletion prevented long-term memory deficits after radiation exposure.
  • Microglia depletion modulated the late-stage neuroinflammatory response.
  • Repopulated microglia exhibited reduced expression of scavenger and complement receptors.
  • Lowered microglia phagocytic activity correlated with improved synaptic protein expression.

Conclusions:

  • Microglia play a critical mechanistic role in the development of cognitive deficits following cosmic radiation exposure.
  • Targeting microglia-mediated neuroinflammation may offer a strategy to prevent space travel-related cognitive impairments.

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