Evaluation of developmental neurotoxicity: some important issues focused on neurobehavioral development

Abstract

Exposure of the developing organism to industrial chemicals and physical factors represents a serious risk factor for the development of neurobehavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and mental retardation. Appropriate animal models are needed to test potentially harmful effects and mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicity of various chemical substances. However, there are significant human vs. rat differences in the brain developmental profile which should be taken into account in neurotoxicity studies. Subtle behavioral alterations are hard to detect by traditional developmental toxicity and teratogenicity studies, and in many cases they remain hidden. They can however be revealed by using special behavioral, endocrine and/or pharmacological challenges, such as repeated behavioral testing, exposure to single stressful stimulus or drugs. Further, current neurobehavioral test protocols recommend to test animals up to their adulthood. However some behavioral alterations, such as anxiety-like behavior or mental deficiency, may become manifest in later periods of development. Our experimental and scientific experiences are highly suggestive for a complex approach in testing potential developmental neurotoxicity. Strong emphasis should be given on repeated behavioral testing of animals up to senescence and on using proper pharmacological and/or stressful challenges.

In utero and lactational exposure to low-doses of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin leads to neurodevelopmental defects in male mice—An ethological and transcriptomic study

“…Developmental endpoints are reported by categories as previously recommended [ 29 ]. Each category was informative on the various aspects of the offspring’s neurodevelopment.…”

Nutrition for ADHD and Autism

“…[73][74][75][76][77] Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce excitability and improve concentration in children with low serum and RBC magnesium levels. [74][75][76] Forty children with ADHD and 36 controls participated in a magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation study. At baseline the children from the ADHD group showed significantly lower RBC magnesium values than controls.…”

“…Several studies have identified magnesium deficiency in the RBCs of children with ADHD. [73][74][75][76][77] Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce excitability and improve concentration in children with low serum and RBC magnesium levels. [74][75][76] Forty children with ADHD and 36 controls participated in a magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation study.…”

Modern Methods of Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury Modeling in Vivo

“…Выживших животных возвращают к кормящей самке. Использование указан-ной модели позволило провести исследование роли таких белков-мишеней, как PARP-1, XRCC1, ДНК-лигаза III␣, ДНК-полимераза ␤, ERCC2, ДНК-зависимая протеинки-наза, а также антиоксидантов и витаминов для терапии гипоксической энцефалопатии [35][36][37]. Установлена роль аноксии в развитии синдрома гиперактивности, созрева-нии нервной ткани, влиянии на пространственную память [38].…”