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Behavioural effects of piperonyl butoxide in male mice
1Department of Toxicology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health, Japan.
Abstract:
Piperonyl butoxide was administered to male mice from 5 to 12 weeks of age in the diet at levels of 0 (control), 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60%, and some behavioural parameters were measured. The animals performed three trials in multiple water T-maze at 10 weeks of age, and the number of errors was significantly decreased in treatment groups on the 3rd trial, while there was no biologically significant effect of piperonyl butoxide on maze learning. The motor activity of the exploratory behaviour was measured by ANIMATE AT-420 at 8 and 11 weeks of age. At 8 weeks of age, some parameters were increased in the 0.30% group, while there was no consistent compound- or dose-related effect. At 11 weeks of age, some parameters were different in treatment groups, and there were biologically consistent significant effects; i.e., number of movements, movement time, total distance, average speed, and number of turnings increased. From these results, piperonyl butoxide showed adverse effects on the motor activity of the exploratory behaviour in male mice.
Insights
Piperonyl butoxide exposure in male mice increased motor activity and exploratory behavior parameters. However, it did not significantly impact maze learning performance.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is a common synergist used in pesticides.
- Understanding PBO's neurobehavioral effects is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the behavioral effects of dietary piperonyl butoxide in male mice.
- To assess impacts on learning, maze performance, and motor activity.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were fed diets containing piperonyl butoxide (0-0.60%) from 5-12 weeks of age.
- Behavioral assessments included a multiple T-maze task and automated motor activity monitoring (ANIMATE AT-420).
Main Results:
- No significant effect of PBO on maze learning was observed.
- At 11 weeks, PBO exposure led to significant increases in movement parameters (distance, speed, movements, turning).
- Motor activity changes at 8 weeks were inconsistent and not dose-related.
Conclusions:
- Piperonyl butoxide exhibits adverse effects on motor activity and exploratory behavior in male mice.
- The observed behavioral changes suggest potential neurotoxicological impacts of PBO.