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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 9, 2025

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Microglia: Ally and Enemy in Deep Space.

Kira D A Rienecker1, Maria Serena Paladini1, Katherine Grue1

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|April 16, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Space radiation exposure poses risks to astronaut central nervous system (CNS) health. Targeting brain microglia may prevent cognitive deficits caused by space radiation, crucial for deep space missions.

Keywords:
CNSCognitionGalactic cosmic raysMicrogliaSex dimorphismSynapses

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Astrobiology
  • Radiation Biology

Background:

  • Astronauts face significant risks from space radiation, including galactic cosmic rays (GCR), during deep space missions.
  • Earth's magnetic field protects us, but missions to Mars and beyond will expose astronauts to high-energy particles, potentially harming the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Previous studies show GCR simulation in rodents causes detrimental changes in microglia and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of simulated galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposure on the central nervous system (CNS) in mice.
  • To explore the role of microglia in mediating radiation-induced cognitive and behavioral deficits.
  • To examine sex differences in susceptibility to GCR exposure and the potential for therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Rodents were exposed to simulated GCR using various radiation protocols.
  • Microglia activation, synaptic changes, and cognitive/behavioral functions were assessed.
  • Interventions targeting microglia were employed to evaluate their protective effects.

Main Results:

  • Simulated GCR exposure led to maladaptive microglial activation and synaptic alterations in the brain.
  • Cognitive and behavioral deficits were observed following radiation exposure.
  • Sex differences in response to GCR were noted, with microglia playing a potential role.
  • Manipulating microglia function prevented cognitive deficits in male mice exposed to GCR components.

Conclusions:

  • Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) exposure significantly impacts CNS health, affecting cognitive and behavioral functions.
  • Microglia are key players in the detrimental effects of space radiation on the brain.
  • Targeting microglia presents a promising strategy for protecting astronaut health during long-duration spaceflight.