Abstract
The endocrine-disrupting chemical 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) is a widespread estrogenic chemical used in consumer products such as epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastic. However, the effects of OP on brain development are unknown. The present study examined the effects of OP on neuron and neurobehavioral development in mice. By using primary cortical neuron cultures, we found that OP-treated showed a decreased length of axons and dendrites and an increased number of primary and secondary dendrites. OP reduced bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), mitotic marker Ki67, and phospho-histone H3 (p-Histone-H3), resulting in a reduction of neuronal progenitor proliferation in offspring mouse brain. Moreover, OP induced apoptosis in neuronal progenitor cells in offspring mouse brain. Furthermore, offspring mice from OP-treated dams showed abnormal cognitive, social, and anxiety-like behaviors. Taken together, these results suggest that perinatal exposure to OP disrupts brain development and behavior in mice.
Highlights
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been known as exogenous substances or mixtures that can alter endocrine system functions and cause adverse health effects in humans
To identify the potential alteration neuron, primary cortical neurons were exposed to OP at two low concentrations at day in vitro (DIV) 1 and fixed at DIV 4
We traced the morphology of primary cortical neurons in combination with microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2) staining and Tau1 to determine average lengths and numbers of axons and dendrites (Figure 1(a))
Summary
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been known as exogenous substances or mixtures that can alter endocrine system functions and cause adverse health effects in humans. Alkylphenols are common EDCs that some industries use for the manufacture of a wide range of products, such as bottles, food packaging, personal care products, and cleaners. On a daily basis, humans may be exposed to low doses of alkylphenols, throughout their lives. One of the commonest alkylphenols in consumer products is 4-tert-octylphenol (OP). There is increasing concern about the adverse effects of OP exposure on human health. Prenatal OP exposure has been reported to be negatively associated with neonatal size at birth [2]. Exposure to OP has been associated with idiopathic infertility in Chinese men [3]
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