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 VO 6 IS 4 A1 Munjal M. Acharya A1 Janet E. Baulch A1 Peter M. Klein A1 Al Anoud D. Baddour A1 Lauren A. Apodaca A1 Eniko A. Kramár A1 Leila Alikhani A1 Camillo Garcia, Jr A1 Maria C. Angulo A1 Raja S. Batra A1 Christine M. Fallgren A1 Thomas B. Borak A1 Craig E. L. Stark A1 Marcello A. Wood A1 Richard A. Britten A1 Ivan Soltesz A1 Charles L. Limoli YR 2019 UL http://www.eneuro.org/content/6/4/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 ∼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/d) 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.