Abstract
On exploratory class missions to other planets, astronauts will be exposed to varieties and doses of heavy particles, which are not experienced in low earth orbit. These particles can affect neurobehavioral function and potentially interfere with the ability of astronauts to successfully meet mission requirements. While a significant amount of research has been performed on the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of different types of heavy particles on cytogenetic function, little research has been done on the effectiveness of different particles on central nervous system function and on cognitive/behavioral performance. The present paper reviews some recent research on the effects of exposure to different types and energies of heavy particles on the performance of two behavioral tasks which depend upon the integrity of the central dopaminergic system. This review indicates that the RBE of different particles for neurobehavioral dysfunction cannot be predicted only on the basis of the linear energy transfer of the specific particle.
References
Cucinotta FA, Schimmerling W, Saganti PB, Wilson JW, Peterson LE, Badhwar GD, Dicello JF (2001) Space radiation cancer risks and uncertainties for Mars missions. Radiat Res 156:682–688
Edwards AA (2001) RBE of radiations in space and the implications for space travel. Phys Med 27(suppl 1):147–152
Schimmerling W, Cucinotta FA, Wilson JW (2003) Radiation risk and human space exploration. Adv Space Res 31:27–34
Ainsworth EJ (1986) Early and late mammalian responses to heavy charged particles. Adv Space Res 6:153–165
Blakely EA, Kronenberg A (1998) Heavy-ion radiobiology: New approaches to delineate mechanisms underlying enhanced biological effectiveness. Radiat Res 150(suppl):S126–S145
Brooks AL, Bao S, Rithidech K, Couch LA, Braby LA (2001) Relative effectiveness of HZE iron-56 particles for the induction of cytogenetic damage in vivo. Radiat Res 155(2):353–359
Rabin BM, Hunt WA, Joseph JA (1989) An assessment of the behavioral toxicity of high-energy iron particles compared to other qualities of radiation. Radiat Res 119:113–122
Rabin BM, Hunt WA, Joseph JA, Dalton TK, Kandasamay SB (1991) Relationship between linear energy transfer and behavioral toxicity in rats following exposure to protons and heavy particles. Radiat Res 128:216–221
Gauger GE, Tobias CA, Tang T, Whitney M (1986) The effect of space radiation of the nervous system. Adv Space Res 6:243–249
Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Erat S (1998) Effects of exposure to different types of radiation on behaviors mediated by peripheral or central systems. Adv Space Res 22:217–225
Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, McEwen J (2000) Effects of exposure to heavy particles on a behavior mediated by the central nervous system. Adv Space Res 25:2065–2074
Rabin BM, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B (2004) Heavy particle irradiation, neurochemistry and behavior: thresholds, dose–response curves and recovery of function. Adv Space Res 33:1330–1333
Rabin BM, Hunt WA, Lee J (1983) Attenuation of radiation- and drug-induced conditioned taste aversions following area postrema lesions in the rat. Radiat Res 93:388–394
Lindner MD, Plone MA, Francis JM, Blaney TJ, Salmone JD, Emerich DF (1997) Rats with partial striatal dopamine depletions exhibit robust and long-lasting behavioral deficits in a simple fixed-ratio bar pressing task. Behav Brain Res 86:25–40
Rabin BM, Buhler LL, Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Jenkins DG (2002) Effects of exposure to 56Fe particles or protons on fixed-ratio operant responding in rats. J Rad Res 43(suppl):S225–S228
Cucinotta FA, Nikjoo H, Goodhead DT (1998) The effects of delta rays on the number of particle-track traversals per cell in laboratory and space exposures. Radiat Res 150:115–119
Cucinotta FA, Durante M (2006) Cancer risk from exposure to cosmic rays: implications for space exploration by human beings. Lancet Oncol 7:431–435
Kraft G, Scholz M, Bechthold U (1999) Tumor therapy and track structure. Radiat Environ Biophys 98:229–237
Durante M, George K, Gialenella G, Grossi G, La Tessa C, Manti L, Miller J, Pugliese M, Scampoli P, Cucinotta FA (2005) Cytogenetic effects of high energy iron ions: dependence on shielding thickness and material. Radiat Res 164:571–576
Kronenberg A, Gauny S, Criddle K, Vannais D, Ueno A, Kraemer S, Waldre CA, (1995) Heavy ion mutagenesis: linear energy transfer effects and genetic linkage. Radiat Environ Biophys 34:73–78
Wilson JW, Cucinotta FA, Miller J, Shinn JL, Thibeault SA, Singleterry RS, Simonsen LC, Kim MH (2001) Approach and issues related to shield material design to protect astronauts from space radiation. Mater Des 22:541–554
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rabin, B.M., Shukitt-Hale, B., Joseph, J.A. et al. Relative effectiveness of different particles and energies in disrupting behavioral performance. Radiat Environ Biophys 46, 173–177 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-006-0071-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-006-0071-2