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Developmental exposure to low level ambient ultrafine particle air pollution and cognitive dysfunction
D A Cory-Slechta1, J L Allen1, K Conrad1
1Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, United States.
Neurotoxicology
|December 17, 2017
Summary
Developmental exposure to concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (UFPs) caused male-specific learning and memory deficits. Female mice showed altered motivation but not cognitive impairments, suggesting sex-specific impacts of UFP exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Background:
- Developmental exposure to ambient ultrafine particles (UFPs) is linked to neuropathological changes.
- These changes may lead to lasting alterations in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if developmental UFP exposure impairs learning, memory, and impulsive behaviors in mice.
- To determine if these impairments are selective and independent of motor activity or motivation deficits.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (CAPS) during specific postnatal days.
- Behavioral tests assessed learning (repeated learning), memory (novel object recognition), impulsive-like behavior (DRL, DOR), motor activity, and motivation (progressive ratio).
Main Results:
- Male mice exhibited sex-specific deficits in learning and memory, particularly during rule changes, unrelated to motor or motivational changes.
- Female mice did not show cognitive deficits but displayed altered motivational behaviors, including increased response rates and altered reward seeking.
Conclusions:
- Developmental UFP exposure can cause male-specific cognitive impairments, even at low levels.
- Females may experience motivational alterations rather than cognitive deficits, highlighting sex-specific responses to UFP exposure.
- Findings support the need for regulating UFP levels due to potential neurodevelopmental impacts.
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