Developmental pyrethroid exposure causes a neurodevelopmental disorder phenotype in mice.

Area of Science:

• Environmental toxicology
• Neuroscience
• Developmental toxicology

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect a significant portion of children.
• Epidemiological studies suggest a link between prenatal pyrethroid pesticide exposure and NDD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of low-dose developmental pyrethroid exposure on neurodevelopment and behavior in mice.
• To examine the impact of deltamethrin exposure on the striatal dopamine system.

Main Methods:

• Mice dams were exposed to deltamethrin during pregnancy and lactation.
• Offspring underwent behavioral testing for NDD-relevant phenotypes.
• Molecular and electrophysiological methods assessed the striatal dopamine system.

Main Results:

• Deltamethrin exposure decreased pup vocalizations, increased repetitive behaviors, and impaired conditioning.
• Exposed mice showed altered striatal dopamine levels, increased dopamine transporter, and modified neuronal excitability.
• No changes were observed in vesicular dopamine capacity.

Conclusions:

• Low-dose developmental exposure to deltamethrin causes NDD-relevant behavioral and neurochemical changes in mice.
• The striatal dopamine system is a key target of deltamethrin's neurodevelopmental effects.
• Excess striatal dopamine is likely located in the cytosolic compartment.