Computer simulation of radiation damage mechanisms in the structure of brain cells

Investigation of the effects of ionizing radiation on cells of the central nervous system is a challenging topic in modern radiation research, as well as treatment planning in radiation therapy and predicting the space radiation risk for the health of astronauts. In this work, we studied processes of degradation of dendritic branches and spines of mature neurons depending on the radiation dose of different particles using Monte Carlo simulations (Geant4). Microscopic energy and dose depositions, number of particle traversals, cell hits and the formation of molecular damages as a function of linear energy transfer were simulated. Based on these data dose-dependent survival of immature neurons in the subgranular zone of the rat hippocampus were estimated following irradiation. Our simulation results for protons and heavy ions are consistent with the experimental results.