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Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) induces defects during embryonic eye development in zebrafish
Sophie Barbagallo1, Cassidy Baldauf1, Emily Orosco1
1Department of Biology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, USA.
Ecotoxicology (London, England)
|November 13, 2021
Summary
Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a plasticizer leaching into the environment. This study shows DBP exposure during zebrafish embryonic development causes significant eye defects, highlighting developmental toxicity risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Zebrafish models
Background:
- Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely used plasticizer.
- DBP leaches into the environment, raising ecological safety concerns.
- Developmental toxicity of DBP is understudied compared to endocrine disruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental toxicity of DBP on early embryonic development.
- To assess the impact of environmentally relevant DBP concentrations on zebrafish eye development.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos at the gastrula stage were exposed to 2.5 µM DBP.
- Eye development was analyzed at 96 hours post-fertilization.
Main Results:
- DBP exposure led to decreased lens and retina size.
- Defects in eye vascularization, optic nerve, and optic tectum were observed.
- Significant eye developmental abnormalities were noted in DBP-treated zebrafish.
Conclusions:
- Environmentally relevant doses of DBP are toxic to early embryonic eye development.
- DBP poses a risk to ocular development during critical embryonic stages.
