Neurodevelopmental effects of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in APOE transgenic mice

Exposure to low doses of neurotoxic pollutants during early brain development is a public health concern. Perinatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been associated with neurodevelopmental effects in infants and long-term behavioral alterations in rodents. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is extensively used in the industry, with its potential risk to humans still under examination. In a previous study, we found that a single postnatal administration of BDE-209 impaired spatial learning in mice at 12 months of age, but a similar alteration was present in young mice carrying a specific genotype of apolipoprotein E (apoE). On the basis of our results, the main goal of the current investigation was to assess whether the same exposure to BDE-209 would affect the neurodevelopment of apoE transgenic mice. We used a functional observational battery (FOB) to evaluate the physical and neuromotor maturation of transgenic mice carrying different apoE polymorphisms (ε2, ε3, and ε4). On postnatal day 10, BDE-209 was administered orally at 0, 10 and 30 mg/kg and neurodevelopmental screening was carried out until postnatal day 36. We observed a subtle delay in eye opening in mice carrying the apoE4 genotype. Exposure to the high dose of BDE-209 retarded the eye opening of apoE2 mice, but no other developmental features were affected. The results indicate few effects of BDE-209 during development, while the vulnerability conferred by the apoE genotype may vary depending on age. Identifying relevant early gene-environment interactions is fundamental for a better understanding of adult health and disease.