Complex 33-beam simulated galactic cosmic radiation exposure impacts cognitive function and prefrontal cortex neurotransmitter networks in male mice

Rajeev I. Desai (), Brian D. Kangas, Oanh T. Luc, Eleana Solakidou, Evan C. Smith, Monica H. Dawes, Xiaoyu Ma, Alexandros Makriyannis, Subhamoy Chatterjee, Maher A. Dayeh, Andrés Muñoz-Jaramillo, Mihir I. Desai and Charles L. Limoli
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Rajeev I. Desai: Harvard Medical School
Brian D. Kangas: Harvard Medical School
Oanh T. Luc: Harvard Medical School
Eleana Solakidou: Northeastern University
Evan C. Smith: Northeastern University
Monica H. Dawes: Harvard Medical School
Xiaoyu Ma: Northeastern University
Alexandros Makriyannis: Northeastern University
Subhamoy Chatterjee: Southwest Research Institute
Maher A. Dayeh: Southwest Research Institute
Andrés Muñoz-Jaramillo: Southwest Research Institute
Mihir I. Desai: Southwest Research Institute
Charles L. Limoli: University of California, Irvine

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Abstract Astronauts will encounter extended exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) during deep space exploration, which could impair brain function. Here, we report that in male mice, acute or chronic GCR exposure did not modify reward sensitivity but did adversely affect attentional processes and increased reaction times. Potassium (K+)-stimulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) elevated dopamine (DA) but abolished temporal DA responsiveness after acute and chronic GCR exposure. Unlike acute GCR, chronic GCR increased levels of all other neurotransmitters, with differences evident between groups after higher K+-stimulation. Correlational and machine learning analysis showed that acute and chronic GCR exposure differentially reorganized the connection strength and causation of DA and other PFC neurotransmitter networks compared to controls which may explain space radiation-induced neurocognitive deficits.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42173-x

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