Developmental Exposure to Trace Concentrations of Chlorpyrifos Results in Nonmonotonic Changes in Brain Shape and Behavior in Amphibians

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01039
• Publication Date: 2022-06-15T20:53:28Z
• Authors: Sara J. McClelland; Sarah K. Woodley
• Keywords: Insecticides; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Organophosphorus Compounds; Larva; Animals; Brain; Chlorpyrifos; Anura; Pesticides

Despite regulations and improved design, pesticides remain ubiquitous in the environment at relatively low, trace concentrations. To understand how prolonged exposure to pesticide concentrations impacts vertebrate brain development behavior, we raised larval amphibians (northern leopard frogs, Lithobates pipiens) 0, 1, or 10 μg/L of organophosphorus chlorpyrifos (CPF) from hatching metamorphosis. Tadpoles exposed 1 CPF, but not had changes relative mass, telencephalon shape, behavioral responses a novel visual cue. CPF altered predator-associated olfactory cues. After metamorphosis, frogs shape their optic tectum medulla. Thus, provide robust evidence that even trace, yet ecologically realistic, have neurodevelopmental effects carry over later life-history stages, further emphasizing potent levels on development. Also, some all were nonmonotonic, meaning evident lowest higher concentration CPF.