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Combined Ionizing Radiation Exposure Improves Behavioral Symptoms and Modulates Brain Innate Immune System Activity
Viktor S Kokhan1, Ruslan A Ageldinov2, Petr K Anokhin1
1"V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology", Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119002, Russia.
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|May 14, 2025
Summary
Ionizing radiation (IR) improved motor function in a mouse model of tauopathy by modulating neuroinflammation. This study highlights radiotherapy
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormal tau protein.
- Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in tauopathy progression.
- Ionizing radiation (IR) shows potential for managing neuroinflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of combined IR (gamma rays and carbon-12 nuclei) on locomotor abilities and microglial activation in a P301S tauopathy mouse model.
- To assess the potential of radiotherapy as a treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Tau P301S transgenic mice, a model for tauopathy.
- Administered combined ionizing radiation (gamma rays and carbon-12 nuclei).
- Assessed behavioral changes (locomotor activity, endurance) and measured microglial activation markers and cytokine levels in brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus).
Main Results:
- Irradiation significantly improved behavioral symptoms, including increased endurance and locomotor activity at different disease stages.
- IR led to increased levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the cerebellum and hippocampus.
- Demonstrated a significant modulatory effect of IR on the innate immune system.
Conclusions:
- Ionizing radiation effectively modulates neuroinflammation and improves behavioral deficits in a mouse model of tauopathy.
- Radiotherapy presents a promising new strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases like tauopathies.
