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Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in brain with emphasis on morphometric and histopathological changes in limbic areas of Swiss albino mice
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Mice exposed to polystyrene microplastics showed cognitive impairment, anxiety-like behavior, and measurable brain damage, particularly in the limbic system regions responsible for memory and emotion. The microplastics accumulated in the brain and caused neuron loss in the hippocampus, along with structural damage to the cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus. This study provides direct evidence that microplastics can reach the brain and cause physical changes that affect behavior and mental function.
The widespread problem of microplastic (MP) contamination is becoming a major threat to the globe. Although most of the research to date has concentrated on the physiological impacts of MPs exposure, a relatively new field of study is beginning to examine its effects on the behaviour and limbic regions of the brain. In this study, exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) for acute and sub-chronic durations negatively affected cognition and induced anxiety-like behaviour in mice. PS-MPs were detected in vital organs of mice, including the brain, which induced neurobehavioural and pathological changes in the limbic system. Furthermore, morphometric analysis revealed a significant decrease in the total cell count in the Dentate Gyrus (DG) and Cornu Ammonis (CA) regions of the hippocampus. Signs of neuronal injury and dystrophic changes were observed in the cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus, potentially affecting anxiety and fear responses. Our study thus provides insight into the effect of PS-MPs on the neurobiology of the brain's limbic system and related behavioural alterations.
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Manifestation of polystyrene microplastic accumulation in tissues of vital organs including brain with histological and behaviour analysis on Swiss albino mice
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Researchers exposed rats to polystyrene microplastics and examined accumulation in vital organs including the brain, liver, kidney, and gut, finding tissue-specific deposition that was associated with behavioral changes and organ-level pathological effects.
Polystyrene microplastics induce anxiety-like behavior via lateral amygdala excitatory–inhibitory imbalance and glia–neuron crosstalk
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In male mice, long-term exposure to polystyrene microplastics disrupted brain signaling in a region linked to emotion, boosting inflammation and shifting the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals. Larger particles (5000 nanometers) caused more severe effects than smaller ones, and the particles' surface charge was a stronger predictor of brain inflammation and anxiety-like behavior than particle size.
Polystyrene micro- and nanoparticles exposure induced anxiety-like behaviors, gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolism disorder in adult mice
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A mouse study found that exposure to both micro- and nano-sized polystyrene particles caused anxiety-like behavior, disrupted gut bacteria, and altered metabolism. The nanoplastics caused more severe effects than the larger microplastics, and longer exposure periods made the damage worse. These findings support the idea that plastic particles can affect brain function and behavior through the gut-brain connection.
Effects of exposure to micro/nanoplastics of polystyrene on neuronal oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and anxiety-like behavior in mice: A Systematic Review
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This systematic review examined 24 studies on how polystyrene microplastics and nanoplastics affect the brains of mice. The findings consistently showed that exposure led to increased oxidative stress, brain inflammation, and anxiety-like behavior. Maternal exposure also caused brain-related harm in offspring, suggesting these tiny plastic particles could pose real risks to the nervous system.
Evaluation of Neurotoxicity in BALB/c Mice following Chronic Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics
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Researchers found that chronic exposure to polystyrene microplastics in mice led to learning and memory problems along with signs of neurotoxicity. The study suggests that long-term microplastic exposure may impair brain function in mammals. These findings raise important questions about the potential neurological risks of microplastic exposure for the broader public.
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