RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 New concerns for neurocognitive function during deep space exposures to chronic, low dose rate, neutron radiation JF eneuro JO eNeuro FD Society for Neuroscience SP ENEURO.0094-19.2019 DO 10.1523/ENEURO.0094-19.2019 A1 M. M. Acharya A1 J. E. Baulch A1 P. M. Klein A1 A. A. D. Baddour A1 L. A. Apodaca A1 E.A. Kramár A1 L. Alikhani A1 C. Garcia, Jr A1 M. C. Angulo A1 R. S. Batra A1 C. M. Fallgren A1 T. B. Borak A1 C. E. L. Stark A1 M. A. Wood A1 R. A. Britten A1 I. Soltesz A1 C. L. Limoli YR 2019 UL http://www.eneuro.org/content/early/2019/08/05/ENEURO.0094-19.2019.abstract AB As NASA prepares for a mission to Mars, concerns regarding the health risks associated with deep space radiation exposure have emerged. Until now, the impacts of such exposures have only been studied in animals after acute exposures, using dose rates approximately 1.5×105 higher than those actually encountered in space. Using a new, low dose rate neutron irradiation facility, we have uncovered that realistic, low dose rate exposures produce serious neurocognitive complications associated with impaired neurotransmission. Chronic (6 month) low dose (18 cGy) and dose rate (1 mGy/day) exposures of mice to a mixed field of neutrons and photons result in diminished hippocampal neuronal excitability and disrupted hippocampal and cortical long-term potentiation. Furthermore, mice displayed severe impairments in learning and memory, and the emergence of distress behaviors. Behavioral analyses showed an alarming increase in risk associated with these realistic simulations, revealing for the first time, some unexpected potential problems associated with deep space travel on all levels of neurological function.Significance Statement Simulating the space radiation environment to date has been limited by available technology and restricted by the practicalities of implementing protracted terrestrial-based exposures. Now through the use of a new neutron irradiation facility, capable of simulating the realistic low dose rates found in deep space, we have uncovered striking neurobehavioral and electrophysiological defects in rodents subjected to continuous (6 month) low dose rate (1 mGy/day) neutron exposures. This study represents the first to document the significant adverse consequences of space relevant radiation dose rates on the brain, and points to the heightened risks associated with NASA’s upcoming plans for travel to Mars.