Abstract
When evaluating effects of radiation, one area of emphasis is the effects of maternal exposure to radiation. Teratogenesis, tumorigenesis, and mental development delay are among those observed. Compared to subjects such as microcephaly and CNS malformation, however, little has been reported on neurocristopathy and congenital cardiovascular anomalies following maternal exposure. To study prevention and safety regarding radiation, unique biological effects of neutron and other radiation need to be evaluated. We report on relationship between maternal exposure to full body neutron irradiation and embryonic lethality and external as well as visceral malformations, especially of cardiovascular nature. We observed a high frequency of teratogenesis, especially cardiofacially, in the irradiated groups. This indicates fetuses' sensitivity to neutrons in forming neurocristopathy-induced cardiofacial syndrome, especially riding aorta, Tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic arch anomalies. The types and frequencies of these anomalies are similar to those in human, suggesting natural radiation and environmental factors may play a large role in human neurocristopahty and cardiovascular anomalies, termed DiGeorge-Velocardiofacial and Alagille Syndromes. Twenty years after Chernobyl, it is essential to consider effects of the nuclear fallout on these syndromes when evaluating the aftermath. This animal model should aid in investigating such human teratogenesis, and we intend to discuss their relative biological effectiveness.
