Perinatal exposure to concentrated ambient particulates results in autism-like behavioral deficits in adult mice

Neurotoxicology
Jamie S ChurchJared J Schwartzer

Abstract

Exposure to fine ambient particulates (PM2.5) during gestation or neonatally has potent neurotoxic effects. While biological and behavioral data indicate a vulnerability to environmental pollutants across distinct neurodevelopmental windows, the behavioral consequences following exposure across the entire developmental period remain unknown. Moreover, several epidemiological studies support a link between developmental exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of later receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that persists throughout life. In the current study we sought to determine whether perinatal exposure to PM2.5 would reduce sociability and increase repetitive deficits in mice, two hallmark characteristics of ASD. Pregnant female B6C3F1 mice were exposed daily to concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAPs) (135.8μg/m3) or filtered air (3.1μg/m3) throughout gestation followed by additional exposures to both dams and their litters from days 2-10 postpartum. Adult offspring were subsequently assessed for social and repetitive behaviors at 20 weeks of age. Daily perinatal exposure to CAPs significantly decreased sociability in male and female mice as measured by the social approach t...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 16, 2020·Environmental Health Perspectives·Jamie S ChurchJared J Schwartzer
Feb 20, 2019·Particle and Fibre Toxicology·Keith Morris-SchafferDeborah A Cory-Slechta
Jun 4, 2021·The Science of the Total Environment·Sarah MortonHelen H Suh
Jul 1, 2021·Environmental Health : a Global Access Science Source·Chelsea A Weitekamp, Hans A Hofmann

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Attention Disorders

Attention is involved in all cognitive activities, and attention disorders are reported in patients with various neurological diseases. Here are the latest discoveries pertaining to attention disorders.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues. Here is the latest research on autism.