Presentations

Abstract

The Britten lab has previously demonstrated that space radiation (SR) exposure has a marked impact on executive functions related to cognitive flexibility [1]. However, executive functions also regulate response inhibition, impulse control, processing and regulating effect, motivation, and arousal [2]. In humans, risk behaviors demonstrated from decision-making tasks correlate with baseline risk propensities [3,4] and overall risk behaviors in real life [3,5,6].

There is currently no information on how SR exposure will impact risk decision-making. Our working hypothesis is that SR-induced loss of executive function performance will not be confined to cognitive functions but will also impact impulsivity and mood-regulating executive functions. As such we postulate that there may be additional SR-related pressures on risk-taking propensity over those anticipated from confinement-related and/or psychological stress.

Male and Female Wistar rats were trained in rodent risk decision-making touchscreen tasks. The touchscreen-based assay consists of four response lights, each of which has a defined win/loss probability, reward size, and loss penalty. The rats were subsequently irradiated and their post- exposure performance was assessed at 2-week intervals over 4 months. The post-exposure performance at these times will be contrasted to their pre-exposure performance status. Herein we present some of the preliminary data from this analysis.

1. Britten et al, Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021,126:159-74.
2. Baumeister et al, Soc. Psychol Handbook, 2007, 516-39
3. Lejuez et al, J Exp Psychol Appl. 2002, 8:75-84.
4. Hunt et al, Assessment. 2005,12:416-28.
5. Lejuez et al, Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003,11:26-33
6. Lejuez et al, J Adolesc. 2003, 26:475-9.