Influence of Proton Irradiation on Solution of the Cognitive Puzzle-Box Test in Mice and Adult Neurogenesis

Proton-beam irradiation (1, 2, and 4 Gy, 150 MeV) of hybrid male mice F1 (CBA × C57BL/6J) has changed their adaptive behavior in a different ways. The irradiated mice performed significantly less successfully than control ones in the puzzle-box test at those stages when the underpass to the safe box compartment was masked by wood shavings, and they had to dig to get to it. At the same time, they were significantly more successful at the stages when the underpass was masked by a light plug, which should be removed as it blocked the entrance. A reduction in neurogenesis in two proliferative forebrain zones had been demonstrated in irradiated mice.