Effects of X-rays and titanium ions on cardiomyocyte cultures ∗

Motivation For the pursuit of the planning of manned space missions to Mars [1; 2] as well as for the application of heavy ion irradiation in radio-therapy [3] an assessment of possible effects of high LET radiation on the cardiovascular system, especially heart muscle cells is needed. In order to approach this important field, we used for the first time microelectrode arrays (MEA). This method allows the recording and monitoring of electrophysiologic cardiac signals of primary cardiac cultures, seeded onto MEA-chips. Additionally, DNA damage and cell cycle progression were examined.