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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Physiology & Behavio...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Physiology & Behavior
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Elsevier TDM
Data sources: Crossref
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Effect of blast exposure on sensorimotor gating and fear memory

Authors: Melonie N, Vaughn; Mark A, Geyer; Susan B, Powell; Laurel, Ng; Victoria B, Risbrough; Adam L, Halberstadt;

Effect of blast exposure on sensorimotor gating and fear memory

Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of disability amongst military service members. In addition to combat-related head injuries, military personnel are vulnerable to repetitive blast-related TBIs due to the frequent use of small explosive charges for breaching and training. However, little is known about the functional consequences or recovery after repeated blast exposure. Here, we tested the hypothesis that repeated exposure to low intensity blasts results in deficits of sensorimotor gating and memory. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to repeated blasts using a compressed gas shockwave tube. Sensorimotor gating was assessed with prepulse inhibition (PPI) across tactile, visual, and auditory modalities. PPI was tested at baseline and 1, 3, and 7 days after blast exposure to assess acute effects and recovery. To identify dose response effects, both the number of blasts (5, 10, or 15 repetitions) and the blast intensity (7.5, 15, or 25 pounds per square inch, PSI) were varied. Blast effects on memory were assessed via contextual and cued fear conditioning, and acquisition and retention of fear extinction 2-weeks post-blast. Repetitive exposure to 15-25 PSI blasts transiently disrupted PPI across multiple sensory modalities, with minimal effects on baseline startle and no effects of 7.5-PSI. The 25-PSI blast also disrupted contextual fear memory "dose" dependently with repeated blasts. These data suggest PSI levels well within scaling parameters of low-level blast exposure in humans (e.g. flashbang) can induce acute sensorimotor gating and contextual memory deficits. Future research is needed to understand the mechanisms and trajectory of these effects.

Keywords

Male, Rats, Sprague-Dawley, Reflex, Startle, Acoustic Stimulation, Blast Injuries, Prepulse Inhibition, Memory, Animals, Fear, Sensory Gating, Rats, Extinction, Psychological

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
2
Top 10%
Average
Average
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