Abstract

This study examined the effects of proton and gamma radiation on a dopamine-dependent sensory gating mechanism: prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex. The purpose of this research was to describe potential hazards of proton radiation to the central nervous system in long-term space fight and for proton therapy patients. Results from previous research indicate that startle behavior is modified by proton and iron radiation. Forty-eight 10-½ week old, male C57BL/6 mice were used to characterize the optimal parameters for the model (prepulse duration, probe duration, and stimulus-onset-asynchrony). Three hundred and fifty two mice were used to characterize the time course and dose response of apomorphine and haloperidol for prepulse inhibition and acoustic startle. Four hundred and sixty mice were used to characterize the dose and time course effects of head-only gamma and proton irradiation on prepulse inhibition and acoustic startle, and to examine the effects of the anesthesia and restraint used in the radiation experiments. Finally, one hundred twenty mice were used to explore effects of haloperidol in combination with gamma and proton radiation on prepulse inhibition and acoustic startle. Results indicate that astronauts exposed to solar particle events and proton therapy patients treated for tumors in or near the central nervous system may be at an increased risk for anxiety-related symptoms due to radiation effects, but are unlikely to experience sensory gating deficits as a result of proton radiation. Implications for further research are discussed.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Paul Haerich

Second Advisor

Kiti Freier

Third Advisor

Gregory A. Nelson

Fourth Advisor

Michael J. Pecaut

Fifth Advisor

Janet Sonne

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2003

Date (Title Page)

9-2003

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Radiation Effects; Psychophysiology; Nervous System -- radiation effects

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xi; 209

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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