Effect of ionizing radiation on the protein-synthesizing system of brain neurons of ground squirrels in different functional states

Using fluorescence and electron microscopy, it is shown that the physiological state of ground squirrels exposed to ionizing radiation at different stages of the torpor-awakeness (hypothermia-normothermia) cycle is the main factor responsible for changes in the protein-synthesizing system of neurons in the hippocampus (fields CA1 and CA3) and the sensomotor cortex. The neurons of animals irradiated in the state of awakeness are less radioresistant and recover more slowly than neurons of animals irradiated in torpor, with the difference being more distinct in neurons of the CA1 field. The effect of irradiation is weak in animals entering torpor and reaches a peak in awakening animals. It is proposed that the inhibition of protein synthesis in the latter case takes place at the elongation stage, with heavy polysomes formed in the cytoplasm of neurons.