Intergenerational effects of low-dose graphene oxide exposure during pregnancy and lactation on mouse neurobehavior, reproduction and development

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO), a promising biomedical nanomaterial, has attracted increasing attention regarding its potential hazards to environment and health. However, data on its multigenerational toxicity in mammals are scarce, especially regarding GO exposure during pregnancy and lactation. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-dose (0.01–1 mg/L) GO exposure during pregnancy and lactation on reproduction, development and neurobehavior in mice through a multigenerational approach. There were no significant differences in the duration of pregnancy, litter size or survival index of the offspring between the maternal mice treated with GO and those in the control group. However, a significantly altered sex ratio was observed in F1 mice exposed to 0.01 mg/L GO. Additionally, alterations in anxiety state and decreased swimming velocity were observed in maternal mice treated with 0.01 and 1 mg/L GO. The effects of GO on neurobehavior seemed to be intensified in F1 mice, as evidenced by increased stress sensitivity, altered anxiety, decreased learning and memory, and inhibited AChE activity. Although some neurobehaviors returned to normal in F2 mice, anxiety-like behavior, increased antioxidant levels and an atrophic liver were observed in the GO 1 group. Furthermore, increases in the movement velocity and distance of F2 mice were observed in GO 0.01 group. These findings provide valuable data for evaluating the transgenerational risks associated with GO exposure among mammals.