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Exposure to heavy charged particles affects thermoregulation in rats
S B Kandasamy1, B M Rabin, W A Hunt
1Behavioral Sciences Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20889-5603.
Radiation Research
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Heavy particle radiation exposure in rats caused dose-dependent body temperature changes. Prostaglandins and histamine mediate these thermoregulation effects, influencing hyperthermia and hypothermia.
Area of Science:
- Radiation biology
- Space medicine
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Space radiation, including high-charge and high-energy (HZE) particles, poses risks to astronauts.
- Understanding the physiological effects of space radiation is crucial for crewed missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different heavy particle radiation doses on rat body temperature.
- To identify the specific HZE particles with the greatest impact on thermoregulation.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced hyperthermia and hypothermia.
Main Methods:
- Rats were exposed to varying doses (0.1-5 Gy) of heavy particles (56Fe, 40Ar, 20Ne, 4He) and 60Co gamma rays.
- Body temperature changes were monitored dose-dependently.
- Pharmacological interventions (indomethacin, mepyramine, cimetidine) were used to investigate mediating pathways.
Main Results:
- Dose-dependent hyperthermia at lower doses and hypothermia at higher doses of 20Ne and 56Fe particles were observed.
- 56Fe particles were most potent, while 4He particles were least potent in altering thermoregulation.
- 56Fe-induced hyperthermia was mediated by prostaglandins, and hypothermia by histamine.
Conclusions:
- Heavy particle radiation significantly impacts mammalian thermoregulation.
- Prostaglandins and histamine are key mediators of radiation-induced body temperature changes.
- These findings have implications for radiation protection strategies in space exploration.