Effect of Maternal Exposure to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Reflexive Motor Behaviors in Mice Offspring

Abstract

Zinc oxide may influence central nervous system development in offspring but there is no information on role of the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on reflexive motor behaviors in mice offspring. So, the aim of the current study was to determine effect of the maternal exposure to the ZnO NPs on reflexive motor behaviors in mice offspring. Thirty pregnant female mice were distributed into three groups. Animals in control group injected with saline at 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 days of the gestation (GD). Groups 2 and 3 were injected with ZnO NPs (0.5 and 1 mg/ml) at 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 days of the GD. After delivery, 10 male and 10 female pups from each group were selected. Then, reflexive motor behaviors were determined using Ambulation, Hindlimb foot angle, Surface righting, Hindlimb strength, Grip strength, Front-limb suspension and Negative geotaxis tests. The prenatal exposure to ZnO NPs (0.5 and 1 mg/ml) was significantly decreased ambulation score in mice offspring (P 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggested the adverse effect of the ZnO NPs on reflexive motor behaviors may be due to its neurotoxic influences during neuronal development.