Antihistamine provides sex-specific radiation protection. [Ionizing radiation]

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5429821

Mickley, G A

Rats suffer an early transient performance decrement immediately after a sufficiently large dose of ionizing radiation. However, it has been shown that males experience a more severe incapacitation than females. This sex difference has been attributed to the low estrogen levels in the male. In support of this notion, supplemental estrogens in castrated male rats have produced less-severe performance decrements post-irradiation. Antihistamines have also previously been shown to alleviate radiation's effect on behavior. The present study revealed that antihistamines are only effective in altering the behavioral incapacitation of sexually intact male subjects. This contrasts with previous work which indicates that estrogens can only benefit gonadectomized rats. These findings suggest that different mechanisms may underlie antihistamine and estrogen radiation protection.

• Research Organization: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, MD
• OSTI ID: 5429821
• Journal Information: Aviat., Space Environ. Med.; (United States), Vol. 52
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANTIHISTAMINICS
RADIATION PROTECTION
ESTROGENS
RATS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
AVOIDANCE
BEHAVIOR
FEMALES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MALES
RADIOBIOLOGY
SEX DEPENDENCE
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGY
DRUGS
HORMONES
MAMMALS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RODENTS
STEROID HORMONES
VERTEBRATES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals