Molecular and Neurochemical-Level Gears of CNS Response to Combined Impact of Modeled Spaceflight Factors in Rodents

The combined model of the effects of deep space flight factors, developed at the IBMP RAS, includes ground-based modeling of the chronic synchronous effects of hypogravity and gamma radiation, supplemented by heavy ion irradiation, a factor characteristic of interplanetary flights. At the behavioral level, the result of such influences is a spectrum of disorders in the emotional sphere while maintaining cognitive abilities. Neurochemical studies in rats show multidirectional changes in the metabolism of key neurotransmitters, primarily dopamine and serotonin, in the ancient brain and prefrontal cortex. At the molecular level, there are changes in the expression of genes encoding the corresponding receptors. A malfunction of the dopaminergic system apparently causes emotional and behavioral disorders. Folic acid, a precursor of dopamine, corrects these changes and, thus, opens up the possibility for further search for means of prevention and treatment of the emerging pathology.