In utero exposure to fine particulate matter results in an altered neuroimmune phenotype in adult mice

Environmental Pollution
Joshua A KulasColin K Combs

Abstract

Environmental exposure to air pollution has been linked to a number of health problems including organ rejection, lung damage and inflammation. While the deleterious effects of air pollution in adult animals are well documented, the long-term consequences of particulate matter (PM) exposure during animal development are uncertain. In this study we tested the hypothesis that environmental exposure to PM 2.5 μm in diameter in utero promotes long term inflammation and neurodegeneration. We evaluated the behavior of PM exposed animals using several tests and observed deficits in spatial memory without robust changes in anxiety-like behavior. We then examined how this affects the brains of adult animals by examining proteins implicated in neurodegeneration, synapse formation and inflammation by western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. These tests revealed significantly increased levels of COX2 protein in PM2.5 exposed animal brains in addition to changes in synaptophysin and Arg1 proteins. Exposure to PM2.5 also increased the immunoreactivity for GFAP, a marker of activated astrocytes. Cytokine concentrations in the brain and spleen were also altered by PM2.5 exposure. These findings indicate that in utero exposure to particula...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 20, 2019·Particle and Fibre Toxicology·Keith Morris-SchafferDeborah A Cory-Slechta
Feb 9, 2021·Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD·Bijayani SahuColin K Combs
Apr 4, 2021·Nanomaterials·Chuanfeng TengShumei Zhai
Jan 19, 2022·Environmental Health Perspectives·Md Mostafijur RahmanAnny H Xiang

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Astrocytes & Neurodegeneration

Astrocytes are important for the health and function of the central nervous system. When these cells stop functioning properly, either through gain of function or loss of homeostatic controls, neurodegenerative diseases can occur. Here is the latest research on astrocytes and neurodegeneration.

Brain developing: Influences & Outcomes

This feed focuses on influences that affect the developing brain including genetics, fetal development, prenatal care, and gene-environment interactions. Here is the latest research in this field.

Astrocytes

Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.