Behavioural effects of gestational exposure to aluminium

The involvement of aluminium in the aetiology of a number of human pathological diseases has altered its status from being a nontoxic, nonabsorbable, harmless element. This maybe of particular concern to the developing foetus which is more susceptible to agents and at lower levels than the adult. Little attention has been given to aluminium's potential reproductive toxicity until recently and further research is required for a full evaluation of its toxicity. Our preliminary results demonstrate behavioural and neurochemical alterations in the offspring of mice exposed to aluminium during gestation. Further, the effects of such exposure are also present in the adult animal suggesting persistent changes in behaviour following prenatal exposure.