Influence of bisfenol A on chemical coding of the nerve fibers of the cardiac apex in the domestic pig

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on chemical coding of intramural nerve fibers localized in the cardiac apex of domestic pigs. Investigations were performed on 10 immature gilts. The animals were divided into two groups: control (Group K) and experimental (Group B). Gilts from Group B received capsules containing bisphenol A (0.5 mg / kg m.c / day) for 28 days. After euthanasia, fragments of the cardiac apex were collected and subjected to the standard single immunofluorescence method, using primary antisera directed against neuropeptide Y (NPY), vesicular transporter acetylcholine (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), substance P (SP), transcript regulated cocaine and amphetamine peptide (CART) and gene calcitonin (CGRP), as well as secondary antibodies conjugated with fluorochromes: Alexa fluor 488 or Alexa fluor 546. The present studies demonstrated that orally administered bisphenol A causes a marked increase in the number of nerve fibers immunoreactive to NPY, VAChT, TH and SP. On the other hand, CART and CGRP immunoreactive fibers have not been detected during the present study either in healthy animals or in pigs after BPA administration. Bisphenol A affects the neurochemical profile of nerves located in the cardiac apex of domestic pigs. These fluctuations in the chemical coding of nerve fibers may be associated with neuroprotective and adaptive processes in the myocardium. However, as of yet the mechanisms of these changes are not fully explained. They may be connected with the direct action of BPA on the myocardium and/or general neurodegenerative effects of this substance on the nervous system.