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Updated: May 28, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Dose-dependent behavioral disturbances after a single neonatal Bisphenol A dose
Henrik Viberg1, Anders Fredriksson, Sonja Buratovic
1Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden. Henrik.Viberg@ebc.uu.se
Toxicology
|October 6, 2011
Summary
A single exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) in neonatal mice alters adult behavior and cognitive function. These BPA-induced effects are dose-dependent and long-lasting, highlighting environmental risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental chemical found in consumer products.
- Neonatal exposure to environmental pollutants can cause persistent neurodevelopmental and behavioral changes.
- Previous studies suggest pre- and perinatal BPA exposure may induce neurotoxic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of single neonatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) on adult mouse behavior and cognitive function.
- To determine if BPA-induced neurotoxicity is dose-dependent and persistent.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal mice were exposed to varying doses of Bisphenol A (BPA) on postnatal day 10.
- Adult offspring were assessed for spontaneous behavior and cognitive function using behavioral tests.
- Specific neurochemical assays were performed to evaluate effects on the cholinergic system.
Main Results:
- A single neonatal exposure to BPA significantly altered adult spontaneous behavior and cognitive function in a dose-response manner.
- These behavioral and cognitive effects were found to be long-lasting and irreversible.
- Minor effects were observed on nicotine-induced behavior, with no significant impact on spatial learning or anxiety-like behaviors in the Morris swim-maze and elevated plus-maze.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) can induce persistent, irreversible neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits in adult mice.
- The findings align with previous studies on BPA and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), indicating BPA as a neurotoxicant.
- This study underscores the potential risks of early-life exposure to environmental chemicals like BPA.
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