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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
07:08

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
PubMed

Insights

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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