[Effects of postnatal lambda-cyhalothrin exposure on synaptic proteins in ICR mouse brain]

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Developmental Biology

Context:

• Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a widely used pyrethroid insecticide.
• Early life exposure to environmental toxins can have lasting neurological effects.
• Synaptic plasticity is crucial for learning and memory, and is sensitive to environmental factors.

Purpose:

• To investigate the impact of lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) exposure during the early postnatal period on synaptic protein expression in specific brain regions of ICR mice.
• To determine dose-dependent effects of LCT on proteins involved in synaptic structure and function.

Summary:

• Postnatal exposure to LCT led to increased GFAP and GAP-43 protein levels in specific brain regions and sexes.
• Significant decreases in PSD-95 expression were observed in the hippocampus and striatum of male mice, and in the cortex and striatum of female mice.
• No significant changes were found in Tuj or Synapsin I protein levels across various brain regions.

Impact:

• Early LCT exposure alters synaptic protein profiles, suggesting potential disruptions in synaptic development and function.
• These molecular changes may underlie neurodevelopmental or neurobehavioral consequences of early-life pesticide exposure.
• Findings highlight the vulnerability of the developing brain to environmental toxicants like LCT.