Article: Does a very low dose of chronic γ-irradiation induce a neuron loss in mice? Journal: International Journal of Low Radiation (IJLR) 2006 Vol.2 No.1/2 pp.34 - 44 Abstract: Little is known about the effects of a very low dose of chronic irradiation on the brain. We have analysed brain sections from continuously irradiated (10 cGy/year - γ-rays) and control C57Bl/6J mice at various times. We have established a neuron/astrocyte ratio in the CA1 of the hippocampus, measured the glutathione content of the hippocampus area and looked for the presence of PCNA-positive cells suggestive of immature stem cells. No difference was observed in the neurone/astrocyte ratio either with ageing or after irradiation. There was a significant increase in the glutathione content in the hippocampus area with ageing and after 24 months of irradiation. A slight increase of PCNA-positive cells was observed with ageing, especially after irradiation. These results suggest that a chronic very low dose of γ-irradiation does not induce a neuron loss. Increased levels of glutathione and of PCNA-positive cells may suggest an adaptation of brain cells to the radiation factor. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Does a very low dose of chronic γ-irradiation induce a neuron loss in mice?

Authors: L. Collin, M. Lacroix-Triki, C. Caratero, S. Jozan, M. Courtade

Addresses: Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, Faculte de Medecine Toulouse Rangueil, 133 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France. ' Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, Faculte de Medecine Toulouse Rangueil, 133 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France. ' Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, Faculte de Medecine Toulouse Rangueil, 133 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France. ' Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, Faculte de Medecine Toulouse Rangueil, 133 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France. ' Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie, Faculte de Medecine Toulouse Rangueil, 133 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France

Abstract: Little is known about the effects of a very low dose of chronic irradiation on the brain. We have analysed brain sections from continuously irradiated (10 cGy/year - γ-rays) and control C57Bl/6J mice at various times. We have established a neuron/astrocyte ratio in the CA1 of the hippocampus, measured the glutathione content of the hippocampus area and looked for the presence of PCNA-positive cells suggestive of immature stem cells. No difference was observed in the neurone/astrocyte ratio either with ageing or after irradiation. There was a significant increase in the glutathione content in the hippocampus area with ageing and after 24 months of irradiation. A slight increase of PCNA-positive cells was observed with ageing, especially after irradiation. These results suggest that a chronic very low dose of γ-irradiation does not induce a neuron loss. Increased levels of glutathione and of PCNA-positive cells may suggest an adaptation of brain cells to the radiation factor.

Keywords: ionising radiation; low dose; C57Bl/6J mice; glutathione; neuron loss; low radiation; chronic irradiation; hippocampus; brain cells; brain cell adaptation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2006.007894

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2006 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.34 - 44

Published online: 30 Sep 2005 *

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Title: Does a very low dose of chronic γ-irradiation induce a neuron loss in mice?

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