The Influence of Ionizing Radiation on Proneness to Audiogenic Seizure and Behavior in Krushinsky–Molodkina Rats

We studied the effects of whole body gamma-radiation (4 Gy, dose rate 0.6 Gy/min) and proton-beam head irradiation (with an energy of 150 meV, 4 Gy and a dose rate of 0.8 Gy/min) on the intensity and timing of audiogenic seizures in rats of the Krushinsky–Molodkina selected strain. In experiments using gamma rays the rat behavior was tested in the open field, elevated plus maze, and Morris water maze tests. No changes in audiogenic tonic–clonic seizures (originating in the brain stem) were found during the first exposure to sound after gamma-irradiation. Slower development of seizures and larger latency of the tonic seizure phase were found following serial daily exposure to sound in rats after proton irradiation. It was also noted that audiogenic myoclonic seizures (which developed in the forebrain) in irradiated rats that were exposed daily to sound had shorter durations, while the intensity of these seizures was at a maximum in all groups. The behavioral tests revealed a moderate increase in anxiety after radiation exposure.