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Abstract
Radiation exposure can impair cognition, particularly hippocampal‑dependent learning and memory, yet susceptibility varies, suggesting genetic influences. This work examined whether apoE isoforms and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to radiation‑induced cognitive outcomes in female mice and whether effects differ by radiation type. ApoE4 mice showed improved spatial memory after ¹³⁷Cs irradiation, accompanied by enhanced PMA‑induced ROS, while apoE2 mice did not. In contrast, ⁵⁶Fe irradiation did not enhance spatial memory but improved contextual fear conditioning without increasing ROS. These findings demonstrate that cognitive effects of irradiation depend on apoE isoform, radiation type, and memory domain, and highlight a role for stimulus‑induced ROS in radiation‑related cognitive changes.