Effects of low-dose oxygen ions and protons on cardiac function and structure in male C57BL/6J mice

Life Sciences in Space Research
John W SeawrightMarjan Boerma

Abstract

Astronauts traveling beyond low-Earth orbit will be exposed to high linear-energy transfer charged particles. Because there is concern about the adverse effects of space radiation on the cardiovascular system, this study assessed cardiac function and structure and immune cell infiltration in a mouse model of charged-particle irradiation. Male C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to oxygen ions (16O, 600 MeV/n at 0.25-0.26 Gy/min to a total dose of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, or 1 Gy), protons (150 MeV, 0.35-0.55 Gy/min to 0, 0.5, or 1 Gy), or protons (150 MeV, 0.5 Gy) followed by 16O (600 MeV/n, 0.1 Gy). Separate groups of mice received 137Cs γ-rays (1 Gy/min to 0, 0.5, 1, or 3 Gy) as a reference. Cardiac function and blood velocity were measured with ultrasonography at 3, 5, 7, and 9 months after irradiation. At 2 weeks, 3 months, and 9 months, cardiac tissue was collected to assess apoptosis, tissue remodeling, and markers of immune cells. Ejection fraction and fractional shortening decreased at 3 and 7 months after 16O. These parameters did not change in mice exposed to γ-rays, protons, or protons followed by 16O. Each of the radiation exposures caused only small increases in cleaved caspase-3 and numbers of apoptotic nuclei. Changes in the ...Continue Reading

Citations

Mar 2, 2021·Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·Manon MeermanJesper Hjortnaes
Apr 28, 2021·Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part C, Toxicology and Carcinogenesis·Catherine M DavisDawn E Bowles
Apr 28, 2021·Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part C, Toxicology and Carcinogenesis·Michael GirgisAmrita K Cheema
Aug 28, 2021·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Akhilesh KumarRuth K Globus

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