Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
07:08

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

6.1K

Developmental exposure to the flame retardant, triphenyl phosphate, causes long-lasting neurobehavioral and

Andrew B Hawkey1, Janequia Evans1, Zade R Holloway1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Birth Defects Research
|November 12, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP), an organophosphate flame retardant, impaired offspring behavior and dopamine function in rats. These findings suggest TPP may pose developmental neurotoxicity risks similar to restricted organophosphate pesticides.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neuroscience
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are increasingly used as replacements for brominated flame retardants in consumer products.
  • Unlike brominated flame retardants, OPFRs have not undergone extensive scrutiny for potential developmental neurotoxicity.
  • Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is a representative OPFR whose effects on neurodevelopment require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential developmental neurotoxicity of triphenyl phosphate (TPP).
  • To assess the effects of TPP exposure on behavioral development and dopaminergic function in offspring.

Main Methods:

  • Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to TPP (16 or 32 mg/kg/day) from preconception through early postnatal development.
  • Offspring underwent a battery of behavioral tests from adolescence to adulthood.
  • Dopaminergic synaptic function was evaluated in littermates.

Main Results:

  • TPP-exposed offspring exhibited altered feeding behavior, impaired object recognition memory, and deficits in visual signal detection.
  • Sex-specific effects on locomotor activity were observed in adolescent males exposed to TPP.
  • Male offspring showed significantly increased dopamine utilization in the striatum.

Conclusions:

  • Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) exposure during development can lead to adverse behavioral and neurochemical changes.
  • The observed neurodevelopmental effects of TPP are comparable to those of certain organophosphate pesticides known for their neurotoxicity.
  • These findings highlight the need for regulatory assessment of TPP and similar OPFRs for developmental neurotoxicity risks.
Keywords:
developmental neurotoxicitydopamineflame retardantsneurobehavioral dysfunctiontriphenyl phosphate

More Related Videos

Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays08:28

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

6.1K
Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae07:06

Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae

Published on: February 5, 2020

6.0K

Related Concept Videos

Types of Toxins01:36

Types of Toxins

Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
1.9K
Toxic Reactions: Overview01:26

Toxic Reactions: Overview

When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
1.1K
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.6K
Disorders of the Nervous Tissue01:28

Disorders of the Nervous Tissue

Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
1.5K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
155