The Early Delayed Effect of Accelerated Carbon Ions and Protons on the Cognitive Functions of Mice

Abstract

The early delayed effects of accelerated carbon ions and protons on the cognitive functions of mice using tests of the total activity, spatial learning, and long-term and short-term hippocampal-dependent memory were studied. The obtained results showed that irradiated animals do not develop an altered behavioral pattern: the level of anxiety is not increased, the exploratory model of behavior is clearly pronounced, and there is no deficiency of hippocampal-dependent memory. However, the long-term memory test revealed fewer errors in finding an escape box in a group of animals irradiated with protons compared to the control animals and mice irradiated with carbon ions. The results may indicate a better preservation of memory traces under these conditions.