Hindbrain defects induced by Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) in developing zebrafish embryos

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Developmental neurobiology
• Aquatic toxicology

Background:

• Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a widespread plasticizer contaminating soil and water.
• Phthalates leach into aquatic ecosystems due to their non-covalent binding to plastic polymers.
• While endocrine disruption by DBP is studied, its developmental neurotoxicity is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental neurotoxicity of Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) in zebrafish embryos.
• To assess the impact of environmentally relevant DBP concentrations on neurodevelopment.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish embryos at pre-gastrulation stage were exposed to 2.5 μM DBP.
• Hindbrain structure, rhombomere patterning, and cranial motor neuron development were analyzed at 72 hours post fertilization (hpf).
• Specific focus on branchiomotor neuron and Mauthner neuron (r4) development.

Main Results:

• DBP exposure disrupted general hindbrain structure and rhombomere patterning.
• Defects in the patterning and migration of hindbrain-specific cranial motor neurons were observed.
• Developmental abnormalities in r4-specific Mauthner neurons were identified.

Conclusions:

• Embryonic exposure to Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) induces significant hindbrain defects.
• DBP impacts the development and differentiation of neurons originating in the hindbrain.
• This study highlights the potential neurodevelopmental risks of DBP in aquatic environments.