Effects of ionizing radiation on auditory and visual thresholds. Technical report, 9 Oct 87-28 May 91
An experimental analysis of the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on sensory and motor function was conducted in baboons. Animals were trained using a reaction time procedure to respond to near-threshold acoustic and visual stimuli, and quantitative assessments were made of radiation-induced changes in absolute auditory and visual thresholds and reaction times. Animals received multiple exposures at single fractionated dose levels of 1, 2, and 5 Gy. Single exposures at higher exposure levels of 10 and 15 Gy were also examined. 100-200 cGy exposures produced transient changes in reaction times. Transient Increases in reaction times occurred following low-dose exposures, usually within 1-3 weeks following the exposure. These increases typically recovered to normal baseline levels within 2-3 weeks. 1000 and 1500 cGy exposures produced long-term hearing deficits which were not frequency-specific. The severe hearing loss was most likely due to a sensorineural deficit, since complete loss of function of the tympanic membrane or middle ear ossicles would be expected to produce a hearing loss about 50-55 dB. These higher radiation doses have had less of an effect on visual intensity thresholds, producing a 5-lO dB deficit in visual thresholds. No physical damage to the cornea iris lens or retina was observed.
- Research Organization:
- Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States). School of Medicine
- OSTI ID:
- 5197788
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-248199/2/XAB; CNN: DNA001-87-C-0277
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
AUDITORY ORGANS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
EYES
BABOONS
FRACTIONATED IRRADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
RADIATION DOSES
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
DOSES
FACE
HEAD
IRRADIATION
MAMMALS
MONKEYS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
SENSE ORGANS
VERTEBRATES
560152* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Animals