On the radiosensitivity of man in space

Astronauts' radiation exposure limits are based on experimental and epidemiological data obtained on Earth. It is assumed that radiation sensitivity remains the same in the extraterrestrial space. However, human radiosensitivity is dependent upon the response of the hematopoietic tissue to the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advances in space research 2001, Vol.27 (2), p.345-354
Main Authors: Esposito, R.D., Durante, M., Gialanella, G., Grossi, G., Pugliese, M., Scampoli, P., Jones, T.D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace Medicine
Astronauts
Cell Physiological Phenomena - radiation effects
Cell Survival - radiation effects
Cosmic Radiation - adverse effects
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Extraterrestrial Environment
Hematopoietic Stem Cells - radiation effects
Humans
Leukopoiesis - radiation effects
Linear Energy Transfer
Mars
Models, Biological
Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced
Radiation Protection
Radiation Tolerance
Solar Activity
Space Flight
Weightlessness
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Summary:Astronauts' radiation exposure limits are based on experimental and epidemiological data obtained on Earth. It is assumed that radiation sensitivity remains the same in the extraterrestrial space. However, human radiosensitivity is dependent upon the response of the hematopoietic tissue to the radiation insult. It is well known that the immune system is affected by microgravity. We have developed a mathematical model of radiation-induced myelopoiesis which includes the effect of microgravity on bone marrow kinetics. It is assumed that cellular radiosensitivity is not modified by the space environment, but repopulation rates of stem and stromal cells are reduced as a function of time in weightlessness. A realistic model of the space radiation environment, including the HZE component, is used to simulate the radiation damage. A dedicated computer code was written and applied to solar particle events and to the mission to Mars. The results suggest that altered myelopoiesis and lymphopoiesis in microgravity might increase human radiosensitivity in space.
ISSN:0273-1177
1879-1948
DOI:10.1016/S0273-1177(01)00005-9