Detonations of Small Spherical Explosive Charges Disrupt Synaptic Integrity and NMDA Receptor-cofilin Signaling

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Morgan Pait, Research Technician (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library

Abstract: Primary explosive blast waves cause common types of military-related traumatic injuries. To study direct effects of detonated RDX spherical charges on brain tissue, rat hippocampal slice cultures were sealed in serum-free medium, lowered into a water-filled tank, and RDX assemblies detonated outside the tank. The results suggest that, in addition to serious brain damage from large explosions, primary blast impacts can cause synaptic compromise without producing overt neurodegeneration, perhaps explaining the cognitive and behavioral changes in blast-induced TBI sufferers with no detectable neuropathology. The monitoring of individuals’ cumulative blast exposures is a critical issue in light of this study. Also, this work will help understand how military blasts might increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additional Information

Publication
UNCP Research and Creativity Showcase
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Military-related Traumatic Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Cognitive and Behavioral Changes, Detonations, Explosive Charges, Synaptic Integrity, NMDA Receptor-cofilin Signaling, Alzheimer’s Disease, Faculty Research, Poster Presentations, University of North Carolina at Pembroke

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