X-rays can trigger the FLASH effect: Ultra-high dose-rate synchrotron light source prevents normal brain injury after whole brain irradiation in mice

Radiother Oncol. 2018 Dec;129(3):582-588. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2018.08.016. Epub 2018 Aug 31.

Abstract

This study is the first proof of concept that the FLASH effect can be triggered by X-rays. Our results show that a 10 Gy whole-brain irradiation delivered at ultra-high dose-rate with synchrotron generated X-rays does not induce memory deficit; it reduces hippocampal cell-division impairment and induces less reactive astrogliosis.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; Radiation-induced brain injury; Synchrotron radiation; Ultra-high dose-rate X-ray radiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects*
  • Cranial Irradiation / methods
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / radiation effects
  • Memory / radiation effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental / prevention & control*
  • Synchrotrons*
  • X-Rays