Modeling Heavy-Ion Impairment of Hippocampal Neurogenesis after Acute and Fractionated Irradiation

Abstract

Radiation-induced impairment of neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus is a concern due to its reported association with cognitive detriments after radiotherapy for brain cancers and the possible risks to astronauts chronically exposed to space radiation. Here, we have extended our recent work in a mouse model of impaired neurogenesis after exposure to low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation to heavy ion irradiation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a predictive mathematical model of radiation-induced changes to neurogenesis for a variety of radiation types after acute or fractionated irradiation. We used a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to represent age, time after exposure and dose-dependent changes to several cell populations participating in neurogenesis, as reported in mouse experiments. We considered four compartments to model hippocampal neurogenesis and, consequently, the effects of radiation in altering neurogenesis: 1. neural stem cells (NSCs); 2. neuronal progenitor cells or neuroblasts (NB); 3. immature neurons (ImN); and 4. glioblasts (GB), with additional consideration of microglial activation. The model describes the negative feedback regulation on early and late neuronal proliferation after irradiation, and the dynamics of the age dependence of neurogenesis. We compared our model to experimental data for X rays, and protons, carbon and iron particles, including data for fractionated iron-particle irradiation. Heavy-ion irradiation is predicted to lead to poor recovery or no recovery from impaired neurogenesis at doses as low as 0.5 Gy in mice. This is only partially ameliorated by dose fractionation, which suggests important implications for Hardon therapy near the Bragg peak, and possibly for space radiation exposures as well. Predictions of the threshold doses where neurogenesis recovery fails for given radiation types are described, and the role of subthreshold transient impairments are briefly discussed.

Whole-Body 12C Irradiation Transiently Decreases Mouse Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus Proliferation and Immature Neuron Number, but Does Not Change New Neuron Survival Rate

“…To address these knowledge gaps, here we define how whole-body 12 C irradiation affects DG hippocampal neurogenesis in male mice. A major consideration of our work was to facilitate comparison with how other space radiation particles influence brain and behavior ( 1 H [ 22 , 23 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ], 4 He [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ], 12 C [ 22 , 39 , 47 , 64 , 65 ], 16 O [ 22 , 47 , 54 , 60 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ], 28 Si [ 22 , 39 , 41 , 47 , 51 , 56 , 58 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ], 48 Ti [ 22 , 47 , 58 , 60 , 68 , 69 , 79 ], and 56 Fe [ …”

Benefits and difficulties during brain radiotherapy planning with hippocampus sparing

“…The atlas created by the RTOG group is an assistance in the process of contouring the hippocampus during brain RT planning [29]. The necessity of training in contouring is emphasised, which allows practice of the technique of contouring of the most important area within the hippocampus: the dentate gyrus [30]. It was shown that without "contouring learning" of this structure there are large discrepancies in the exact location of this region between radiotherapists, and hence inconsequence in planning the brain RT and suboptimal results of treatment.…”

Particle Radiation Induced Neurotoxicity in the Central Nervous System

“…In vitro work has also shown sensitivity of neuronal precursor cells to photon and proton irradiation, accompanied by radiation-induced oxidative stress [20]. Modeling studies also suggest that heavy ion irradiation, including carbon ions, will likely lead to sustained deficits in neurogenesis [21].…”