PBDE Flame Retardant Exposure Causes Neurobehavioral and Transcriptional Effects in First-Generation but Not...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Developmental Neurobiology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental pollutants.
• The multigenerational impacts of PBDEs, particularly BDE-99, are not well understood.
• PBDEs are detected globally, including in marine ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the multigenerational neurobehavioral and molecular effects of BDE-99 in *Fundulus heteroclitus*.
• To compare the influence of exposure route (dietary progenitor vs. direct embryonic) on these effects.
• To determine the role of maternal transfer versus other maternal influences.

Main Methods:

• Two exposure routes were used: dietary exposure of adult fish (progenitor exposure) and direct embryonic water exposure.
• Neurobehavioral assays (photomotor response, anxiety-like behavior) were conducted on offspring (F1 and F2 generations).
• Brain gene expression analysis was performed to identify molecular changes.

Main Results:

• Both exposure routes altered F1 larval photomotor responses.
• Progenitor exposure led to reduced anxiety-like behavior and altered gene expression in F1 juveniles.
• Direct embryonic exposure showed no F0 effects but induced behavioral changes in F1 descendants, suggesting non-chemical maternal factors.

Conclusions:

• Maternal influences play a significant role in shaping the multigenerational effects of BDE-99.
• The route of exposure impacts the nature and persistence of observed neurobehavioral and molecular outcomes.
• While effects diminished by the F2 generation in progenitor exposure, early behavioral changes persisted.