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Gender-specific impairments on cognitive and behavioral development in mice exposed to fenvalerate during puberty
Xiu-Hong Meng1, Ping Liu, Hua Wang
1Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, China.
Abstract:
In human and rodent models, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the development of cognition and behaviors. Fenvalerate is a potential EDC. The purpose of this study was to examine whether pubertal fenvalerate exposure altered behavioral development. Mice were orally administered with either vehicle or fenvalerate (7.5 or 30 mg/kg/day) from postnatal day (PND) 28 to PND56. Learning and memory were assessed by Morris Water Maze. Aggressive performance was evaluated by aggressive behavior test. Anxiety-related activities were detected by three tests: open-field, plus-maze and black-white alley. Sensorimotor function was analyzed using beam walking and tightrope. Results found that the impairment for spatial learning and memory was more severe in fenvalerate-exposed female mice than in male mice. In addition, pubertal fenvalerate exposure inhibited aggressive behavior in males. Moreover, pubertal fenvalerate exposure increased anxiety activities in females. Altogether, these results suggest that pubertal fenvalerate exposure impairs spatial cognition and behavioral development in a gender-dependent manner. These findings identify fenvalerate as candidate environmental risk factors for cognitive and behavioral development, especially in the critical period of development.
Insights
Pubertal exposure to fenvalerate, an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), impairs cognitive and behavioral development in mice. These effects, including learning deficits and altered anxiety, are gender-dependent, highlighting fenvalerate as an environmental risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can negatively impact cognitive and behavioral development in humans and animals.
- Fenvalerate is identified as a potential EDC requiring further investigation into its developmental effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pubertal exposure to fenvalerate on behavioral development in mice.
- To determine if fenvalerate exposure during a critical developmental window alters learning, memory, aggression, and anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Mice received oral administration of vehicle or fenvalerate (7.5 or 30 mg/kg/day) from postnatal day 28 to 56.
- Behavioral assessments included the Morris Water Maze (learning/memory), aggressive behavior test, open-field, plus-maze, black-white alley (anxiety), and beam walking/tightrope (sensorimotor function).
Main Results:
- Fenvalerate exposure led to more severe spatial learning and memory impairments in female mice compared to males.
- Aggressive behavior was reduced in male mice exposed to fenvalerate during puberty.
- Anxiety-related activities were increased in female mice following pubertal fenvalerate exposure.
Conclusions:
- Pubertal fenvalerate exposure negatively impacts spatial cognition and behavioral development in a gender-specific manner.
- These findings suggest fenvalerate is a potential environmental risk factor affecting cognitive and behavioral development during critical life stages.
