Altered Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Metabolism Early in the Postirradiation Response of the Rat

Abstract

The metabolism of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied in rats subjected to 10,000 or 20,000 rads of pulsed mixed gamma-neutron radiation. Whole brain GABA levels were found to rise above control levels by 20 minutes following 10,000 rads and as early as one minute following 20,000 rads. L-glutamic acid decarboxylase activity was also observed to rise as early as one minute following either dose of radiation. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that GABA is involved in the etiology of the transient central nervous system disorders (apathy, disorientation, ataxia) observed in rats shortly after high doses of ionizing radiation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0770106

Entities

People

  • G. H. Zeman
  • R. L. Chaput

Organizations

  • Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acids
  • Brain
  • Central Nervous System
  • Convulsive Disorders
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Epilepsy
  • Glutamates
  • Glutamic Acid
  • High Pressure
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Metabolism
  • Nervous System
  • Nervous System Diseases
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Sickness
  • Respiration
  • Seizures

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.