Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, A Group of Brominated Flame Retardants, Can Interact with Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Enhancing Developmental Neurobehavioral Defects

• DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfl109
• Publication Date: 2006-09-17T00:20:31Z
• Authors: P. Eriksson; C. Fischer; A. Fredriksson
• Keywords: Developmental toxicity; Polybrominated Biphenyls

The present study shows that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can interact enhance developmental neurobehavioral defects when the exposure occurs during a critical stage of neonatal brain development. PBDEs are used in large quantities as flame-retardant additives polymers, especially manufacture great variety electrical appliances, textiles. In contrast to well-known persistent compounds PCBs DDT, have been found increase environment human mother's milk. We previously shown low-dose environmental toxic agents such PCB cause neurotoxic effects Epidemiological studies indicate adverse impact PCBs. Recently, we reported causes effects. study, 10-day-old Naval Medical Research Institute male mice were given one single oral dose 52 (1.4 μmol/kg body weight [bw]) + PBDE 99 μmol), μmol or 14 μmol). Controls received vehicle (20% fat emulsion). Animals exposed combined μmol) high (14 showed significantly impaired spontaneous motor behavior habituation capability at age 4 6 months. also seen worsen with neonatally 99.