Medical Physics Seminar – Monday, October 9, 2023
The study of cardiovascular effects of ionizing radiation in multiple animal models
Marjan Boerma, PhD
Professor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
High doses of ionizing radiation on the heart, such as in radiation therapy of tumors in the chest have long been known to cause cardiovascular disease. More recently, studies in populations exposed to lower doses of radiation have also shown increased rates of cardiovascular disease. This has raised concerns about long-term adverse outcomes of nuclear events and potential risks for cardiovascular disease from radiation exposures in human missions into deep space. Therefore, research is needed to determine the risks of cardiovascular disease from radiation exposure and provide insight in biological mechanisms by which ionizing radiation may have these effects.
This presentation examines animal models that are used to examine such cardiovascular effects of ionizing radiation. We will discuss biological effects of high doses of X-rays locally to the heart, the potential role of activated protein C in mouse models of partial body γ-rays, and mouse models of low-dose charged particle irradiation and chronic low-dose rate irradiation to mimic exposures that occur in deep space travel.