Developmental exposure to PBDE 209 alters adult susceptibility to paraoxon and nicotine : gender and neurobehavioural analysis

• Newborns, infants and children can be indirectly and directly exposed to PBDEs. This exposure coincides with a period of rapid brain development. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in large quantities as flame-retardants in polymers, especially in electric appliances.A concern is that these compounds are present at a higher level in newborns and toddlers than in the average adult individual, especially the highly brominated PBDEs. We have earlier reported that neonatal exposure to toxicants can lead to an increased susceptibility of the cholinergic system at adult age. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether neonatal exposure of male and female mice to PBDE 209 alters the adult susceptibility to the organophosphorous compound, paraoxon, and to nicotine, respectively.. Neonatal, 3-day-old, NMRI mice were exposed to PBDE 209 (2,2´,3,3´,4,4´,5,5´,6,6´-decaBDE at 1.4, 6.0 and 14 µmol/kg bw). At two months of age male mice were exposed to paraoxon (0.25 mg/kg bw, every 2nd day for 7 days) and female mice exposed to nicotine. At the age of 2 months male and female mice were observed for spontaneous behaviour in a novel home environment, before and after adult exposure to paraoxon and nicotine, respectively. Adult male and female mice neonatally exposed to PBDE 209 showed significant impaired spontaneous behaviour. Male mice neonatally exposed to PBDE 209 and to paraoxon as adults developed additional defect spontaneous behaviour and lack of habituation. Female mice neonatally exposed to PBDE 209 showed an increased susceptibility to nicotine, where PBDE 209 exposed mice responded with a decrease in activity to nicotine whereas control mice responded with increased activity. The present study shows that PBDE 209 can induce developmental neurobehavioural defects in both male and female mice. Neonatal exposure to PBDE 209 caused also increased susceptibility in adult mice to paraoxon and nicotine. All these effects were dose response related.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Utvecklingsbiologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Developmental Biology (hsv//eng)

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