Abstracto

Modeling of Interplanetary Flight Factors: Dependence between Primates Cognitive Functions, Monoamine Metabolism and Individual Characteristics of Nervous System

Alexandra G. Belyaeva, Vladimir S. Kudrin, Alexandr A. Perevezentsev*, OV. Belov, Andrey S. Shtemberg

This article is a mini-review of a previously published in LSSR study of monkey cognitive and neurochemical changes after model impacts of deep space flight. After modelled microgravity and heavy ion irradiation animals show minor decline in cognitive functions and monoamine metabolism. The effect highly depends on individual characteristics of nervous activity: one of strong balanced type is much more resistant to model impacts. The results of this research on cognitive function demonstrate that the predominant element controlling changes in these functions is the morphological characteristics of the animals' higher neurotransmission. After the exposures, the strong balanced type of monkey efficiently maintained its cognitive abilities; however these abilities were impaired in weak unbalanced type animals. These alterations were accompanied by a reduction in monoamine levels and their metabolites as well as an increase in lymphocyte DNA DSB and chromosomal aberration yield.