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Neurodevelopmental effects of lanthanum in mice
W Briner1, R F Rycek, A Moellenberndt
1Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Kearney, Kearney, NE 68849, USA. brinerw@unk.edu
Neurotoxicology and Teratology
|September 7, 2000
Summary
Lanthanum chloride exposure in mice during development impaired motor behaviors and neurological responses. This study suggests lanthanum is a potential behavioral teratogen, impacting neurodevelopment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lanthanum is a rare-earth element with increasing industrial applications.
- Potential neurotoxic effects of lanthanum exposure require further investigation, particularly during critical developmental periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential behavioral teratogenicity of lanthanum chloride.
- To assess the impact of developmental lanthanum exposure on neurobehavioral outcomes in mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to varying concentrations of lanthanum chloride (0, 125, 250, 500 mg/liter) from pre-conception through postnatal day 30.
- Neurobehavioral assessments included motor development (swimming, walking), sensory development (ear/eye opening), and neurological function (neurologic scale, touch response, visual placing).
- Brain size was measured at postnatal day 30.
Main Results:
- Significant delays were observed in the emergence of swimming and walking behaviors, as well as ear and eye opening in lanthanum-exposed mice.
- Impaired touch response and visual placing responses were noted in mice exposed to lanthanum.
- Lanthanum-exposed mice exhibited smaller brain sizes compared to control groups.
Conclusions:
- Developmental exposure to lanthanum chloride negatively impacts neurobehavioral development in mice.
- Lanthanum chloride demonstrates potential as a behavioral teratogen, affecting motor, sensory, and neurological functions.
- The findings highlight the need for caution regarding environmental and occupational exposure to lanthanum during pregnancy and early development.
