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Polystyrene nanoplastics induced size-dependent developmental and neurobehavioral toxicities in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish
Summary
Researchers exposed zebrafish embryos and juveniles to polystyrene nanoplastics of three different sizes and found that all sizes crossed into the brain, eyes, and other organs. Smaller particles tended to cause different types of damage than larger ones, including changes in brain development and behavior. This size-dependent toxicity is relevant to human health because we are exposed to a wide range of nanoplastic sizes through food and water.
Because of widespread environmental contamination, there is growing concern that nanoplastics may pose a risk to humans and the environment. Due to their small particle size, nanoplastics may cross the blood-nerve barrier and distribute within the nervous system. The present study systematically investigated the uptake/distribution and developmental/neurobehavioral toxicities of different sizes (80, 200, and 500 nm) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS) in embryonic and juvenile zebrafish. The results indicate that all three sizes of PS could cross the chorion, adsorb by the yolk, and distribute into the intestinal tract, eye, brain, and dorsal trunk of zebrafish, but with different patterns. The organ distribution and observed developmental and neurobehavioral effects varied as a function of PS size. Although all PS exposures induced cell death and inflammation at the cellular level, only exposures to the larger PS resulted in oxidative stress. Meanwhile, exposure to the 80 nm PS increased the expression of neural and optical-specific mRNAs. Collectively, these studies indicate that early life-stage exposures to PS adversely affect zebrafish neurodevelopment and that the observed toxicities are influenced by particle size.
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