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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice
Published on: March 5, 2020
Review of experimental male-mediated behavioral and neurochemical disorders
B K Nelson1, W J Moorman, S M Schrader
1Division of Biomedical and Behavioral Science, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
Abstract:
Paternal exposures to exogenous agents have been reported to produce a variety of developmental defects in the offspring. In experimental animals, these effects include decreased litter size and weight, increased stillbirth and neonatal death, birth defects, tumors, and functional/behavioral abnormalities-some of these effects being transmitted to the second and third generations. This article reviews the exogenous agents that have reportedly caused behavioral or neurochemical alterations in offspring of experimental animals following paternal exposures, including advanced age, alcohols, cyclophosphamide, ethylene dibromide, lead, opiates, and a few miscellaneous chemicals. Based upon the consistency of effects in several of these agents in a variety of studies in experimental animals, the conclusion is that paternal exposures may contribute to the incidence of neurobehavioral disorders in humans.
Insights
Paternal exposure to certain chemicals and advanced age can cause developmental defects and neurobehavioral issues in offspring. These effects, observed in animal studies, suggest a potential link to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Developmental Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Paternal exposure to exogenous agents is linked to adverse offspring development.
- Observed effects include reduced litter size, increased mortality, birth defects, and functional abnormalities.
- Some effects can persist across multiple generations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review exogenous agents causing paternal exposure-induced neurobehavioral and neurochemical alterations in offspring.
- To assess the consistency and implications of these findings in experimental animals.
- To evaluate the potential contribution of paternal exposures to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on paternal exposures and offspring neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of experimental animal data for behavioral and neurochemical changes.
- Identification of specific agents linked to these effects.
Main Results:
- Advanced age, alcohols, cyclophosphamide, ethylene dibromide, lead, and opiates are among agents causing paternal effects.
- Consistent findings across multiple studies in experimental animals.
- Observed effects include behavioral and neurochemical alterations in offspring.
Conclusions:
- Paternal exposures to various agents can induce neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in offspring.
- Experimental animal data strongly suggest a link between paternal exposures and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Paternal exposures may be a contributing factor to the incidence of neurobehavioral disorders in humans.
