Study of Cognitive Parameters in the Post-radiation Period in White Mice

Abstract

The aim of the study was to establish the dependence of memory formation processes and learning ability in gamma-irradiated white mice on the age and period after irradiation. The 1.5 year old male mice (Mus musculus) were used in the study. Mice whole-body irradiation with ¹³⁷Cs was performed at a dose of 5 Gy with a “Gamma-capsule-2”. Spatial learning and memory  formation  were estimated in the elevated-type multi-way maze. Experiments were carried out after 48 hours and 30 days of irradiation for seven days (five trials each day). The number of errors (deviations from optimal trajectory) and total time for crossing the maze were calculated. The results of the study indicate that ionizing irradiation with total dose 5 Gy causes no significant spatial memory and behavior changes and aged-mice are more radio-resistant. Age-related radioresistance plays an  major role in the early stage of post-radiation recovery. Though, the late radiation cognitive imparment marked by decreased verbal memory, spatial memory and attention has  especially acute manifestation in young animals. These data match the literature data on the age dependence of radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction.