Low dose ionizing radiation does not impact memory performances in adulthood

Abstract

Author(s): Ghofrane S. Cherkaoui*, Sara Taleb, Youness Kadil and Houda Filali

Introduction: we are all unavoidably exposed to Low dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). The present study was designed to highlight the effects of these radiation on the brain in adulthood by exploring the behavioural changes in rats exposed to a LDIR with a focus on memory and learning.

Methods: the study included 17 males “Wistar” rats with a group of young adults (36 months), exposed to a source of Cesium 137 with a cumulative dose estimated to 100 mGy of gamma-ray, and two control groups: young adults (3 months-6 months) and ageing group (>26 months). Then they were subjected to neurobehavioral tasks: Morris Water-Maze, Eight Arm-Maze and novel object recognition tests to evaluate the effect of exposure on learning and memory. Results: For all neurobehavioral tests, there were no significant differences in performances between exposed/ control groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study focusing only on neurobehavioral changes after exposure to low-dose electromagnetic ionizing radiations during adulthood (≤100 mSv). The current findings could serve as a good foundation for future studies using larger samples and including earlier assessments.

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