Dataset on effects of perinatal exposure to propylthiouracil on serum T4, body weight gain, day of eye opening and brain monoamine contents in offspring mice.

Physical growth and brain development need sufficient thyroid hormone (TH). This dataset describes serum T4 level, body weight gain and day of eye opening in offspring mice exposed to the TH synthesis inhibitor propylthiouracil (PTU) from gestational day (GD) 15 to postnatal day (PND) 25. This dataset also describes content of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), 5-HT, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and their turnover in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens of male offspring mice perinatally exposed to PTU. These data are referred by a research article entitled "Hyperactive behavioral phenotypes and an altered brain monoaminergic state in male offspring mice with perinatal hypothyroidism" [1].

Hyperactive behavioral phenotypes and an altered brain monoaminergic state in male offspring mice with perinatal hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormone (TH) is essential for normal brain development. TH insufficiency during early stages of development may increase the risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, in which malfunction of brain monoaminergic systems is likely involved. However, little is known about the effects of perinatal hypothyroidism on behaviors and brain monoaminergic systems in offspring mice. The present study examined in mice (1) whether perinatal hypothyroidism causes hyperactive behavioral phenotypes, (2) how perinatal hypothyroidism influences brain monoaminergic systems, and (3) whether hyperactive behavioral phenotypes are associated with the state of brain monoaminergic systems. When dams were exposed to propylthiouracil, offspring mice developed hypothyroidism during the perinatal period. Offspring mice with perinatal hypothyroidism exhibited hyperactive behavioral phenotypes such as hyper-ambulatory activity and an increased response rate in the two-way active avoidance test in a male-specific manner. Significant decreases in dopamine (DA) and serotonin turnover were observed in the striatum (ST), nucleus accumbens, hypothalamus, and hippocampus in male mice with perinatal hypothyroidism. A significant correlation between ambulatory activity and DA turnover in the ST and an augmented ambulatory response to the DA reuptake inhibitor bupropion suggested that DA in the ST was involved in the hyper-ambulatory activity in mice with perinatal hypothyroidism.

[Analysis of phthalates in aromatic and deodorant aerosol products and evaluation of exposure risk].

We established an analytical method for the detection of seven phthalates, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate (DEP), benzyl butyl phthalate, di-i-butyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octhyl phthalate, using an ultra high performance liquid chromatograph equipped with a photodiode array detector. This method is quick, with minimal contamination, and was applied to the analysis of aromatic and deodorant aerosol products. Phthalates were detected in 15 of 52 samples purchased from 1999 to 2012 in Yokohama. Three types of phthalate (DEP, DBP, DEHP) were detected, and their concentrations ranged from 0.0085-0.23% DEP in nine samples, 0.012-0.045% DBP in four samples, and 0.012-0.033% DEHP in four samples. No other phthalate esters were detected. Furthermore, we estimated phthalate exposure via breathing in commonly used aromatic and deodorant aerosol products, then evaluated the associated risk. The estimated levels of phthalate exposure were lower than the tolerated daily limit, but the results indicated that aromatic and deodorant aerosol products could be a significant source of phthalate exposure.

Ethanol-based organosolv treatment with trace hydrochloric acid improves the enzymatic digestibility of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) by exposing nanofibers on the surface.

The effects of adding trace acids in ethanol based organosolv treatment were investigated to increase the enzymatic digestibility of Japanese cypress. A high glucose yield (60%) in the enzymatic hydrolysis was obtained by treating the sample at 170 °C for 45 min in 50% ethanol liquor containing 0.4% hydrochloric acid. Moreover, the enzymatic digestibility of the treated sample was improved to ∼70% by changing the enzyme from acremonium cellulase to Accellerase1500. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of lignin droplets and partial cellulose nanofibers on the surface of the treated sample. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of the treated samples using thermotolerant yeast (Kluyveromyces marxianus NBRC1777) was tested. A high ethanol concentration (22.1 g/L) was achieved using the EtOH50/W50/HCl0.4-treated sample compared with samples from other treatments.

Specific accumulation of organotin compounds in tissues of the rock shell, Thais clavigera.

Concentrations of organotin compounds (butyltins and phenyltins) were determined in gonad, accessory sex organs, penis, digestive gland, kidney, radula with sac, oesophagus with crop, stomach, hypobranchial gland, rectum, mantle, osphradium, ctenidium, heart, salivary gland, head ganglia and muscle of imposex-exhibiting female and male rock shells (Thais clavigera), by gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD). Different tissue distributions were observed between butyltin and phenyltin compounds. More than 1000 ng TBT/g wet wt. were observed in ovary, digestive gland, kidney, heart, ctenidium, osphradium, stomach, head ganglia and penis, of both imposex-exhibiting females and males. More than 1000 ng TPT/g wet wt. were found in almost all tissues of both sexes. Approximately one-third or more of total TBT was accumulated in the digestive glands of both females and males, respectively. Meanwhile, approximately 40-50% and one-half of total TPT accumulated in the digestive glands of females and males, respectively.

Diphenylarsinic acid produces behavioral effects in mice relevant to symptoms observed in citizens who ingested polluted well water.

Citizens in an area of Kamisu City, Ibaraki, Japan had exhibited unusual health problems, and pollution of well water by diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA) was found in the area. We examined the effects of DPAA on various behaviors in mice. DPAA was administered to mice through free intake of drinking water for 27 weeks (subchronic exposure) or 57 weeks (chronic exposure), and behavior was examined during exposure. DPAA at 30-100 ppm increased ambulatory activity and the response rate of the shuttle type discrete conditioned avoidance response of mice. DPAA reduced coordination ability on the fixed rod at 100 ppm. DPAA at 7.5-15 ppm also reduced coordination on the rotating rod, although these doses of DPAA did not affect coordination on the fixed rod. Chronic exposure to 7.5-15 ppm of DPAA produced anti-anxiety-like effects in the elevated plus maze test, whereas subchronic exposure to 100 ppm of DPAA produced anxiogenic-like effects. Neither subchronic nor chronic exposure to 7.5-100 ppm of DPAA affected learning ability and/or memory, as evaluated using the passive avoidance response. Exposure to 15-30 ppm of DPAA for 52 weeks did not alter weights of the cerebrum and cerebellum or amounts of neuron marker protein TUJ-1 or astrocyte marker protein glial fibrillary acidic protein in the cerebellum of mice. Behavioral effects observed in mice seem relevant to symptoms observed in patients from Kamisu City.

The pollution and ecological risk of endosulfan in soil of Huai'an city, China.

Endosulfan, a persistent organic pollutant newly listed under the Stockholm Convention, is currently widely produced and used as a pesticide in China. Concentrations of endosulfans (including α-, ß-isomers, and their metabolite endosulfan sulfate) were determined in surface soil collected from Huai'an city, where the largest endosulfan producer is located. The concentrations of Σendosulfan (sum of α-endosulfan, ß-endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate) at all sites ranged from 0.28 to 44.81 ng/g dry weight (dw), following a lognormal distribution. The geometric mean was 1.09 ng/g dw, and the geometric standard deviation was 3.02. The ß-endosulfan levels were consistently greater than those of α-isomer. The concentration ratios of α-endosulfan to ß-endosulfan ranged from 0.03 to 0.70, which were much lower than the commercial endosulfan mixture. This is because that α-endosulfan is more volatile and degrades faster than ß-endosulfan in soil. The contour map of Σendosulfan levels in soil indicates that the factory was the point pollution source with the highest endosulfan level in its surrounding area, especially the southern area. However, the non-point agricultural sources are more important. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, the Σendosulfan inventory in soil in Huai'an is estimated to be 0.8-3.0 tons. In order to understand the potential ecological risk of endosulfan, the Monte Carlo-based hazard quotient distribution was estimated and showed that Σendosulfan posed a potentially high risk to soil organisms. To our knowledge, this study is the first that reports soil pollution and risk of endosulfan around the manufacturer in China. This study will help China's implementation of Stockholm Convention for the reduction and elimination of endosulfan in future.

Rat hyperactivity by bisphenol A, but not by its derivatives, 3-hydroxybisphenol A or bisphenol A 3,4-quinone.

Detoxification in the central nervous system is largely unknown. The mechanism of neurotoxicity of bisphenol A, a toxic environmental chemical remains obscure. We examined the effects of bisphenol A, and its derivatives, 3-hydroxybisphenol A and bisphenol A 3,4-quinone on rat behavior as possible metabolites of bisphenol A. A single intracisternal administration of bisphenol A (20 µg equivalent to 87 nmol) into 5-day-old male Wistar rats caused significant hyperactivity at 4-5 weeks of age. It was about 1.3 fold more active in the nocturnal phase than control rats. However, neither 3-hydroxybisphenol A nor bisphenol A 3,4-quinone at the same amount (87 nmol) increased the spontaneous motor activity. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analyses of the treated brain revealed that 7% of the parent chemical resided in the brain at 8 weeks of age, but its derivatives were not found. This suggested a difference in metabolic turnover of these compounds or a difference in their stabilities. We conclude that bisphenol A per se caused hyperactivity in the rat, eliminating the possibility that possible metabolic forms of bisphenol A, 3-hydroxybisphenol A and bisphenol A 3,4-quinone have the ability to elicit rat hyperactivity, probably because of longer-lasting residence of the parent compound in the brain.

Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl adsorbent obtained from enzymatic saccharification residue of lignocellulose.

In this study, the effective utilization of lignocellulose residue as an adsorbent was investigated. Japanese cypress wood flour subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment and ball-mill grinding was saccharified with an enzyme. The residual wood flour was carbonized and activated by physical and chemical activation to produce adsorbents for persistent organic pollutant removal. The adsorption properties were investigated by pore analysis using the N(2) adsorption/desorption isotherm and adsorption tests for dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in a hexane solution. The obtained adsorbents showed high production yields and adsorption properties for dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls.

Maternal exposure to isobutyl-paraben impairs social recognition in adult female rats.

Isobutyl-paraben (IBP), a widely used preservative, exhibits estrogenic activity. We analyzed the effects of exposure to IBP during gestation and lactation via dam on social recognition behavior in ovariectomized offspring of Sprague-Dawley rats. Offspring were ovariectomized at 7 weeks of age, and were used in a social recognition test at 16 weeks of age. Each offspring was exposed to a novel ovariectomized rat four times and to a second novel rat in a fifth exposure. We counted the investigations by offspring of intruder rats. The IBP-exposed rats showed impaired social behavior compared with controls. These data imply that early exposure to IBP may have an effect on adult social behavior, which is reported to be an autism spectrum disorders in humans.

Dechlorane Plus pollution and inventory in soil of Huai'an City, China.

Dechlorane Plus (DP) has been used as a highly chlorinated flame retardant substituting those that are now internationally regulated under the Stockholm Convention. Nevertheless DP's environmental behavior has seldom been studied in China. There is only one DP manufacturer producing DP since 2005, which is located in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province. The DP levels in 21 soil samples that were taken from Huai'an in October 2009 and determined by gas chromatography/electron-capture negative ion-mass spectrometry (GC/ECNI-MS) method ranged from 0.83 to 1.2 x 10(3) ng g(-1), following a lognormal distribution. The geometric mean was 5.1 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) and the geometric standard deviation was 4.6. Sampled soils had f(anti)[C(anti)(-DP)/(C(syn)(-DP)+C(anti)(-DP))] values of 0.67-0.85, with the average value of 0.79, which are close to the values in DP commercial products. This suggests that the main DP pollution source is the commercial DP product. The contour map of DP levels in soil indicated that the factory was the point pollution source with the highest DP level in its surrounding area, especially the southern area. A Monte Carlo based inventory estimation was conducted. The DP inventory in Huai'an is estimated to be 4-31 tons. To our knowledge, this study is the first that reports soil pollution by DP.

Spatial, phase, and temporal distributions of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in Tokyo Bay, Japan.

The spatial distribution, partitioning, and time trends of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) were investigated in the water column and bottom sediment of Tokyo Bay, Japan, during 2004-2006. A total of 480 water and 60 sediment samples obtained by regular 20-station samplings ascertained the three-dimensional distributions of these compounds and changes in the seawater structure in the whole bay. The median of volume-based average water-borne concentrations of PFOS and PFOA was 3.7 and 12 ng/L, respectively. The median concentrations in sediment were 0.61 (PFOS) and 0.20 (PFOA) ng/g-dry. Vertical mixing of the water column probably affected the vertical distribution of these compounds. The negative correlations between PFOS and PFOA concentrations and water salinity and the horizontal distributions of their concentrations suggested that freshwater inputs into the bay were the source of these compounds. A mixing model estimated the average PFOS concentration in the freshwater inputs to be 29 ng/L. The common logarithm of the partition coefficients between the dissolved and suspended-particle-sorbed phases varied among samples, with the average of 4.2 (PFOS) and 3.5 (PFOA). Our analyses indicated no apparent time trends in the concentrations of these compounds during 2004-2006 in either the freshwater input or the bay.

HRGC/HRMS analysis of mirex in soil of Liyang and preliminary assessment of mirex pollution in China.

China is a country with the most severe termite damage in the world. Mirex is one of the two effective orgochlorine pesticides used in China for termite control. A high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) was employed for mirex analysis in soil samples from Liyang city, which once was an important mirex production base in China. The detected mirex levels in soil in Liyang were 2.9-4300pgg(-1)dw (dry weight), with the geometric mean 26.83pgg(-1)dw and the geometric standard deviation 5.02. The highest level occurred at the site near the Liyang Guanghua Chemical Factory. It implies the contribution of industrial activities to the mirex pollution in the surrounding environment. However, the factory only influenced very limited adjacent areas. A Level III fugacity model was developed to study the mirex pollution in Chinese provinces. The results show that the highest concentration occurred in Jiangxi Province, which has the largest consumption of mirex among Chinese provinces. On a regional scale, the calculated concentrations of mirex in the environment are generally so low that it indicates no harm to human and organisms. The total amount of mirex in the environment in China was estimated to be about 25.12tons, most of which exists in soil.

Time course of expression of the retinoid X receptor gene and induction of imposex in the rock shell, Thais clavigera, exposed to triphenyltin chloride.

To examine the role of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in the development of imposex in gastropods, we investigated the time course of expression of the RXR gene in various tissues (ctenidium, ovary or testis, digestive gland, penis-forming area or penis, and head ganglia) of female and male rock shells (Thais clavigera) exposed to triphenyltin (TPT) in a flow-through exposure system for 3 months. Accumulations of TPT in tissues were clearly observed in exposed individuals, whereas no accumulation of TPT was observed in the control groups. In females, 3-month exposure to TPT resulted in the development of imposex, and penis lengths in imposex-exhibiting females were significantly longer in small females (shell height <20 mm) than in large females (shell height > or = 20 mm). RXR gene expression in the ovary, penis-forming area or penis, and head ganglia of females exposed for 3 months was significantly higher than expression in control females, and the highest RXR gene expression was found in the penis-forming area or penis. Moreover, RXR gene expression in the penis-forming area or penis of each female exposed to TPT seemed to be associated with an increase in penis length. In males, the ratio of penis length to shell height was significantly larger in the exposed groups than in the controls. Although RXR gene expression in males exposed for 3 months was not significantly higher than expression in control males in any tissues, the highest gene expression was observed in the penis of exposed males. These results suggest that RXR plays an important role in the development of male genitalia (i.e., penis and vas deferens) in gastropods, although RXR might also have other physiological functions.

Maternal isobutyl-paraben exposure decreases the plasma corticosterone level in dams and sensitivity to estrogen in female offspring rats.

Isobutyl-paraben (IBP), a widely used preservative in a variety of foods, shows high comparative binding affinity to estrogen receptors. Here, we examined the effects of maternal exposure of rats to IBP on plasma hormone concentrations and organ weights in dams, ratio of male pups, anogenital distance, organ weights and plasma hormone concentrations in offspring, puberty, estrous cycle and response of organ weight and plasma hormone concentrations to estrogen in adult female offspring, and reproductive and adrenal function in adult male offspring, all of which are under developmental estrogen regulation, to clarify the estrogenic effects of IBP during gestation and lactation on the endocrine systems of dams and offspring. While maternal exposure of IBP decreased the plasma corticosterone concentration and increased the uterus weight in dams and increased uterine sensitivity to estrogen in adult female offspring, the other indices examined were largely unaffected by the present treatment. Even though these results indicate little sign of endocrine disrupting effects for IBP, the existence of activity may be a matter of concern due to the possible impact on the health of future generations.

Maternal isobutyl-paraben exposure alters anxiety and passive avoidance test performance in adult male rats.

Isobutyl-paraben (IBP), one of the most widely used preservatives, exhibits estrogenic activity. In this study, we analyzed the effects of maternal IBP treatment on the emotional behavior and learning performance in mature offspring. Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with IBP via a subcutaneous Silastic capsule. Consequently, the offspring were exposed to IBP during gestation through the placentae, and before weaning through the milk. Male and female offspring were tested for emotional behavior in an open field and in an elevated plus maze at five and six weeks old, respectively. IBP-exposed male (but not female) rats spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. At 11 weeks old, all females were gonadectomized and treated chronically with 17beta-estradiol or cholesterol by Silastic capsules; all males were kept intact. They were tested for learning performance in a passive avoidance test and a Morris water maze. IBP exposure impaired the performance of males in the passive avoidance test. These findings suggest that male rats are more affected by early exposure to IBP than female rats. IBP affects their adult behavior including anxiety and learning abilities.

Particle-size-fractioned transfer of dioxins from sediments to water columns by resuspension process.

Particle-size-fractioned transfer of dioxins from sediments to water columns by resuspension process was investigated, using supernatant samples obtained from shaking experiments of sediment-water pairs simulating natural disturbances. The concentrations (dry-matter mass basis) of individual compounds (C(fraction)) in two particle size fractions (0.1-1 and 1-10 microm) in the supernatants were generally slightly higher than those in the original sediment (C(sed)). C(fraction)/C(sed) ratios ranged from 0.45 to 5.9 (median 1.5) without consistent differences among congener groups or consistent correlations against the number of chlorine atoms. The dioxin concentrations in the water column associated with the remaining sediment particles can therefore be estimated by those in the original sediment and by the concentration of suspended sediment particles in the water. The concentration of each compound in the remaining sediment particles (mostly 0.1-10 microm in size) can be roughly estimated by multiplying the concentration in the original sediment by 1.5.

Isolation and properties of a 2-chlorovinylarsonic acid-degrading microorganism.

2-Chlorovinylarsonic acid (CVAOA) is a stable abiotic metabolite of lewisite 1 that has been identified in lewisite dumps. There have been no reports of microbial degradation of CVAOA, so we isolated and examined CVAOA-degrading microorganisms. CVAOA contains arsine, which is toxic to microbial growth. We therefore used the simple organic chemical, ethylene, as a sole carbon source in initial screening for suitable microbes. We isolated several microorganisms from sewage sludge and soil. Two strains, NK0505 and NK0506, could be grown on CVAOA as the sole carbon source and were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Nocardia carnea NK0505 and Rhodococcus opacus NK0506. Because N. carnea NK0505 was slightly more active in degrading CVAOA, we used it for further degradation studies. Strain NK0505 utilized about 90% of CVAOA (50 ppm) within 5 days; at higher concentrations of CVAOA no degradation occurred over a 10-day period. We identified 1-chloro-1,2-dihydroxyethane, ethylene glycol, glycolic acid, and arsenic acid as degradation products of CVAOA. Epoxy formation on alkylarsine was not confirmed. CVAOA is probably further metabolized via these compounds in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Strain NK0505 could also degrade but-3-enylarsonic acid, trichloroethylene, isoprene, and 1,3-butadiene, but utilization of tetrachloroethylene and acetylene did not occur.

Developmental exposure to pentachlorophenol affects the expression of thyroid hormone receptor beta1 and synapsin I in brain, resulting in thyroid function vulnerability in rats.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP), a component of biocides and a contaminant in diverse tissue samples from humans from various geographic areas, disrupts regulatory effects of thyroid hormones. Here we examined the effects of developmental exposure of rats to PCP on various aspects of brain development, male reproductive function, and adrenal function, all of which are under thyroid hormones regulation. PCP was administered to dams and their offspring via drinking water (6.6 mg l(-1)) during gestation and lactation. Tissue samples were obtained from dams, 3-week-old weanling pups, and 12-week-old pups. Gene expressions of thyroid hormone receptor beta1 and synapsin I, factors that promote brain growth, was increased in the cerebral cortex of PCP-treated weanling females, whereas plasma concentrations of total thyroxine were decreased in dams and weanling pups, and plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were higher in PCP-treated weanling males. PCP caused a decrease in plasma corticosterone concentrations in 12-week-old female rats, but not in male rats or weanling females. PCP-treated male pups had significantly increased testis weight at 12 week of age. No overt signs of toxicity were noted throughout this study. Our results show that PCP exposure during development causes thyroid function vulnerability, testicular hypertrophy in adults, and aberrations of brain gene expression.

Exposure to 9-cis retinoic acid induces penis and vas deferens development in the female rock shell, Thais clavigera.

To clarify how tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) interact with the retinoid X receptor (RXR) to induce growth of male sex organs in female gastropods, we treated female rock shells (Thais clavigera) with three different concentrations (0.1, 1, or 5 microg/g wet wt) of 9-cis-retinoic acid (9CRA) or with a single concentration (1 microg/g wet wt) of TBT, TPT, or fetal bovine serum (as a control). The effects of each treatment were measured as the incidence of imposex, the length of the penis-like structure, and the vas deferens sequence (VDS) index. 9CRA induced imposex in a dose-dependent manner; imposex incidence was significantly higher in the rock shells that received 1 (P < 0.05) or 5 microg (P < 0.001) 9CRA than in the controls. After 1 month, the rock shells treated with 5 microg 9CRA exhibited substantial growth of the penis-like structure that was not as evident in the other treated shells. The length of the structure differed between the 0.1- and 5-microg 9CRA treatment groups (P < 0.05) but not between the 1- and 5-microg 9CRA treatment groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control, the VDS index increased significantly in the 1- (P < 0.05) and 5-microg (P < 0.001) 9CRA groups. The penis-like structures behind the right tentacle in female rock shells treated with 5 microg 9CRA were essentially the same as the penises and vasa deferentia of normal males and of TBT-treated or TPT-treated imposexed females. These results further support the hypothesis that imposex in gastropods could be mediated by RXR.