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Updated: May 25, 2026
08:28
Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays
Published on: April 26, 2018
Bisphenol A, an endocrine-disrupting chemical, and brain development
Kyoko Itoh1, Takeshi Yaoi, Shinji Fushiki
1Department of Pathology & Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. kxi14@koto.kpum.ac.jp
Summary
Prenatal exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) disrupts mouse brain development, affecting neuronal growth and behavior. These effects, linked to gene and epigenetic changes, persist into adulthood, highlighting BPA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with widespread industrial and dental applications.
- Increased human exposure to BPA raises concerns about its adverse effects on reproduction and brain development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of low-dose prenatal and lactational Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on brain development in mice.
Main Methods:
- Examined fetal murine neocortical development following BPA exposure.
- Analyzed gene expression, including basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors.
- Assessed brain architecture, corticothalamic projections, and behavioral changes in adult mice.
- Investigated epigenetic alterations in promoter-associated CpG islands.
Main Results:
- Prenatal BPA exposure accelerated fetal neuronal differentiation and migration, altering gene expression critical for brain development.
- Abnormal neocortical architecture and corticothalamic projections were observed in adult mice exposed to BPA.
- BPA exposure led to disturbed neurotransmitter systems (monoamines) and altered behavior in both developing and adult mice.
- Epigenetic modifications in CpG islands were identified as potential mechanisms underlying BPA's effects on brain development.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose prenatal and lactational BPA exposure significantly impacts murine brain development, affecting neuronal processes, brain structure, and function.
- Observed neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits are associated with altered gene expression and epigenetic changes.
- These findings underscore the potential risks of BPA exposure during critical developmental windows.
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