Project R-11169

A closer look at brain inhibition and epilepsy following prenatal X-ray exposure (Research)

Regardless of the health benefits of X-ray irradiation in medical practices, severe negative health outcomes for pregnant mothers and their fetus have been described. Research on atomic bomb survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki shows that children with radiation-induced brain damage exhibit seizures more frequently than unexposed children. Furthermore, it is known that hyperexcitability of the neuronal network and a disturbed communication between neuronal connections contribute to an increased occurrence of seizures and epilepsy. The aforementioned research on radiation-induced defects focused mainly on excitatory neurons, while information on radiation-induced changes in inhibitory neurons is sparse, leading to a lot of knowledge gaps. Investigating how prenatal X-irradiation affects the inhibitory neuronal network contributing to epilepsy is relevant because ultimately, it will provide more insight in the potential risks of prenatal irradiation.

01 January 2021 - 31 December 2024