Developmental neurotoxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardants used

Acute exposure to DE‐71: Effects on locomotor behavior and developmental neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae

“…In addition, our results showed that PBDE exposure was associated with delayed transition in activity following photoperiod transition, which was also reported for 144 hpf zebrafish larvae treated with 1% ethanol [33]. Although the mechanisms of neurobehavioral alterations are still not well understood, it has been proposed that disruption of the cholinergic system or interactions with neurotransmitter systems or the development of the neuron may explain the neurotoxicity of PBDEs [1,36]. Therefore, we further investigated the effects of DE-71 exposure on the cholinergic system and marker gene transcriptions in the neurons.…”

“…Persistent bioaccumulation properties have raised significant concerns about the potential ecological and health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. Because exposure appears to lead to higher concentrations in the tissues of young animals compared with adult animals [1], and young animals may have a reduced ability to excrete PBDEs, the possible developmental effects of these contaminants are a major concern [2][3][4]. The early stages of life are often thought to be a time of greater sensitivity to the health effects of environmental chemicals, because they represent a time when many critical developmental processes are underway [5,6].…”

“…It has also been shown that during this period of rapid development, the brain is vulnerable to insults from xenobiotics [7]. Exposure to PBDEs has been associated with developmental neurotoxicity since the beginning of the 21st century [1,8], and the nature of potential adverse effects associated with this exposure continue to be a concern [9].…”

Levels and congener profiles of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk from Shanghai: Implication for exposure route of higher brominated BDEs

“…In addition, PBDEs have drawn the attention of toxicological scientists and policymakers because PBDEs concentration levels in the environment and in humans have increased rapidly and exhibit high potential bioaccumulation/biomagnification even though these chemicals only came into use in the 1960s and 1970s. A large number of toxicity studies have indicated that PBDEs can cause a series of adverse health effects such as neurodevelopmental deficits, immunotoxicity and endocrine disruption (Costa and Giordano, 2007). These potential health risks have prompted scientists to monitor PBDEs levels in humans.…”

Organohalogen contaminants and metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid and cerebellum gray matter in short-beaked common dolphins and Atlantic white-sided dolphins from the western North Atlantic

“…Meerts et al (2004) showed that prenatal exposure of rat 4 pups to the environmentally relevant PCB metabolite, 4-OH-2,3,3',4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (4-OH-CB107), can cause deficits in locomotor activity and effects on the neural part of the auditory system (rather than the cochlea). Pre-or postnatal exposure of mice or rats to PBDEs can cause changes in spontaneous motor activity and disrupt performance in learning and memory tests (as reviewed by Costa and Giordano, 2007). Thus, it is important to determine the concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs, and their hydroxylated products in odontocete brains as a means to evaluate the risk of these health effects.…”