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Author Spotlight: In Vivo Assessment of Thyroid Hormone Disruption Using the THAI Mouse Model
Published on: October 6, 2023
Exposure to deltamethrin in adolescent mice induced thyroid dysfunction and behavioral disorders
Jingwen Zhang1, Haoyue Liu2, Jiangning Li2
1The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
Deltamethrin (DM) insecticide exposure in adolescent mice disrupted the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis, causing thyroid dysfunction and behavioral changes. This study highlights potential risks of DM exposure on endocrine and neurological systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Deltamethrin (DM) is a widely used insecticide with unknown effects on the adolescent Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis.
- Understanding DM's impact on endocrine and neurological functions is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Deltamethrin (DM) exposure on the HPT axis and behavior in adolescent mice.
- To assess DM's impact on thyroid hormones, gene expression, thyroid histology, and neurotransmitter systems.
Main Methods:
- Adolescent mice were exposed to DM (6 and 12 mg/kg) for 28 days.
- Behavioral tests (open field, circadian activity, light/dark box, forced swimming, nest building) were conducted.
- HPT axis hormones (TRH, TSH, T3, T4), gene expression, thyroid histology, and striatal protein levels (TH, DAT) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- DM exposure increased locomotor activity and immobility time in the forced swimming test.
- DM altered HPT axis hormone levels (increased TSH, decreased TRH, T3, T4) and disrupted HPT-related gene expression.
- Thyroid tissues showed follicular expansion and hyperplasia; striatal TH decreased while DAT increased.
Conclusions:
- Deltamethrin exposure induces thyroid dysfunction and behavioral abnormalities in adolescent mice.
- DM disrupts the HPT axis and neurotransmitter systems, indicating potential neuroendocrine toxicity.
