VISUAL DISCRIMINATION PERFORMANCE IN THE MONKEY (MACACA MULATTA): A TECHNIQUE AND ASSESSMENT OF 5000 RADS GAMMA-NEUTRON IRRADIATION,
Abstract
A study was undertaken to assess the effects of radiation on visual discrimination performance in the monkey (Macaca mulatta). Six monkeys were trained to avoid shock by responding to one of two visual stimuli presented simultaneously. Each monkey was irradiated with approximately 5000 rads of gamma-neutron radiation delivered in a millisecond-range pulse. Behavioral data were obtained from 1/2 hour prior to the pulse and for 2-1/2 hours afterwards (Phase 1). Thereafter, behavioral data were obtained every 4 hours from pulse time (Phase 2). Temporary decrements in visual discrimination performance occurred in five out of six monkeys after exposure (median interval = 2 minutes, 10 seconds). The duration of the decrement varied between 7-1/2 minutes and 2-1/2 hours (the duration of Phase 1). All monkeys were able to perform visual discriminations at some time after irradiation. Maximum postirradiation performance during Phase 2 sessions occurred on the average at 8 hours postpulse, but ranged from 4 to 20 hours. Survival time varied from approximately 12-1/2 hours to 51-1/2 hours. Vomiting occurred in five out of six animals, but did not appear to interfere with effective performance. The results demonstrated a marked variability in the monkeys' response to radiation in both performance and survival time. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0679698
Entities
People
- H. J. De Haan
- J. E. Germas
Organizations
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute