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Behavioral teratology evaluation of trichloromethane in mice
Abstract:
Trichloromethane (TCM) has been identified as an important contaminant of drinking water. TCM was evaluated for possible behavioral effects in the offspring of mice treated throughout the reproductive period. Male and female albino mice were gavaged with vehicle (Emulphor: saline) or 31.1 mg/kg/day for 21 days prior to mating, throughout mating (21 days or until a vaginal plug was detected) and the dam was continued with daily gavage throughout gestation and lactation. The pups were also gavaged daily with the same dose beginning on Day 7. Five TCM and five control litters were used for this study. On the day of birth each litter was reduced to 8 pups. For the next 15 days, 3 pups from each litter were randomly selected each day for evaluation on a battery of tests of neurobehavioral development. The scoring system for this test battery was developed for this study. On Day 17 motor performance for all pups was evaluated using the latency to right themselves on an inverted screen. On Days 22 and 23 they were evaluated on a one-trial passive avoidance learning task. No consistent significant differences were observed in any of the measures between TCM and vehicle treated groups.
Insights
Trichloromethane (TCM) exposure during reproduction did not significantly alter offspring neurobehavioral development in mice. This study found no consistent differences in motor skills or learning tasks between exposed and control groups.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Developmental Neurobiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Trichloromethane (TCM) is a significant drinking water contaminant.
- Potential health effects of TCM exposure, particularly on neurodevelopment, require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of TCM exposure on the behavioral development of mouse offspring.
- To evaluate potential neurobehavioral changes following maternal and early-life TCM exposure.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to TCM (31.1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle from pre-mating through lactation.
- Offspring underwent daily neurobehavioral assessments from Day 7 postpartum.
- Evaluations included a neurobehavioral development test battery, motor performance (latency to right), and passive avoidance learning.
Main Results:
- No consistent significant differences were observed in neurobehavioral development tests between TCM-exposed and control groups.
- Motor performance and passive avoidance learning tasks showed no significant variations.
- The study did not find evidence of TCM-induced behavioral deficits in the offspring.
Conclusions:
- Maternal and early-life exposure to TCM at the tested dose did not produce significant adverse behavioral effects in mouse offspring.
- Further research may be needed to explore potential long-term or subtle effects, or effects at different exposure levels.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurodevelopmental risks associated with TCM contamination in drinking water.