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Effects of Environmental Chemicals on the Development of the Central Nervous System: Establishment of Endpoints for the Evaluation of Behavioral Effects in Mice
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Animal studies using the phosphorus flame retardant TDMPP and dioxins demonstrate that developmental chemical exposures cause late-onset behavioral and reproductive abnormalities, with the paper explicitly noting growing concern about particles like microplastics as inadequately evaluated developmental neurotoxicants. This work supports calls for rigorous developmental neurotoxicity testing of microplastics, which share chemical additive profiles with the flame retardants studied.
Chemical substances are an indispensable part of the development of civilization; however, there are many known cases of health hazards induced by exposure to chemicals and their byproducts. In particular, the effects of exposure on the developing cerebral nervous system, even after a single exposure, may have lifelong effects; therefore, careful evaluation is required. In this paper, we provide examples of assessments conducted by our research group regarding the effects of exposure to chemicals in the environment during development, as well as the endpoints at which we were able to assess these effects. This will ultimately deepen our understanding of developmental neurotoxicity. Here, we demonstrate a case of late-onset abnormalities in female behavior and reproductive physiology due to developmental exposure to tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl)phosphate (TDMPP), a phosphorus-based flame retardant that exhibits typical estrogen-like effects. Also, we used IntelliCage, a fully automated behavioral measurement system for group-reared mice, to assess basal activity and adaptation to the social environment. An example of how IntelliCage can be used to assess behavior is dioxins, which are chemicals that are unintentionally produced. We focused on brominated dioxins and reported a case of abnormal exploratory behavior in a novel environment. Currently, there is growing public concern regarding substances and particle bodies that have not been adequately evaluated for use in the developing brain, such as PFAS and micro/nanoplastics. We believe that the establishment of more sophisticated evaluation methods and endpoints, including those introduced here, will continue to be necessary for building a foundation for a safe and secure society.
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Effects of TBBPA Exposure on Neurodevelopment and Behavior in Mice
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This study found that perinatal exposure to the flame retardant TBBPA at environmentally relevant doses impaired neurodevelopment in mice, with male offspring showing deficits in motor function, memory, and social interaction, and females showing motor impairment, accompanied by changes in gene expression linked to behavioral abnormalities.
Effects of micro– and nanoplastic exposure during critical developmental periods on the central nervous system: A systematic review of rodent models
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This review pulls together 20 animal studies looking at what happens when young mice and rats are exposed to tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) during pregnancy, infancy, or adolescence. The results consistently showed brain inflammation, disrupted brain cell development, and behavior changes like memory problems, anxiety, and altered social behavior. While this research is in rodents, not humans, it raises real concerns about whether plastic pollution could affect brain development in babies and children, and highlights the need for more research to understand the risk to humans.
Perinatal Exposure to Organophosphate Flame Retardants Induces Sex- and Hormone-Dependent Alterations in Anxiety, Memory, Neurotransmitter Content, and Hippocampal Gene Expression
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Perinatal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) produced sex- and hormone-dependent impairments in anxiety, spatial memory, and hippocampal gene expression in rodents, with males showing spatial memory deficits and females showing hormone-status-dependent anxiety changes. These findings raise concerns about widespread OPFR contamination as a developmental neurotoxicant affecting brain chemistry and behavior through endocrine-mediated pathways.
Effect of nanoplastic intake on the dopamine system during the development of male mice
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Male mice exposed to nanoplastics during specific developmental windows, particularly late pregnancy and adulthood, showed disrupted dopamine signaling in the brain and reduced social behavior. The nanoplastics altered brain activity in regions controlling reward, decision-making, and social interaction. This study suggests that nanoplastic exposure during critical periods of brain development could affect cognitive and social function, raising concerns about the impact on human brain health.
Associations between Urinary Phthalate Metabolites with BDNF and Behavioral Function among European Children from Five HBM4EU Aligned Studies
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This study investigates whether urinary levels of phthalate metabolites — breakdown products of plasticizers found in everyday plastics — are associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and cognitive performance. Findings suggest that higher phthalate exposure may be linked to altered BDNF signaling, which plays a key role in memory and learning. The results add to growing evidence that plastic-associated chemicals may affect neurological health.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.