Estimation of long-time effects of Chernobyl AES accident on behavior markers in a small rodent population

Differences in behaviour reactions in "open field" and glycemia under conditions of immobilisation stress of vole (Microtus oeconomus, Pallas) from two groups ("Yanov" and "Lelev") were investigated. Rodents were ensnared from two populations reproduced for a long time (11 years) in the areas of ChNPP Exclusion Zone with different level of radioactive contamination. The radiation absorbed dose for animals of "Yanov" group (external and internal irradiation) was 11-20 times higher than that of "Lelev" group. Males and females from the area with worse radioecological condition had higher vertical and horizontal locomotion. The level of emotional reactions of "Yanov" males was lower than the "Lelev" one. Statistically significant variation in female emotional reaction was found, but it had not the same directions. In both groups higher locomotion activity and lower emotionality were associated with male sex. The males of both groups showed similar fasting glucose level and glycemic response after 30-min. immobilisation. Our data provide the additional evidence of existence of long-time genetic effects in small rodent populations permanently reproduced on radiation contaminated areas.