Perinatal exposure to the immune-suppressant di-n-octyltin dichloride affects brain development in rats.

Disruption of the immune system during embryonic brain development by environmental chemicals was proposed as a possible cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. We previously found adverse effects of di-n-octyltin dichloride (DOTC) on maternal and developing immune systems of rats in an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study according to the OECD 443 test guideline. We hypothesize that the DOTC-induced changes in the immune system can affect neurodevelopment. Therefore, we used in-vivo MRI and PET imaging and genomics, in addition to behavioral testing and neuropathology as proposed in OECD test guideline 443, to investigate the effect of DOTC on structural and functional brain development. Male rats were exposed to DOTC (0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg of diet) from 2 weeks prior to mating of the F0-generation until sacrifice of F1-animals. The brains of rats, exposed to DOTC showed a transiently enlarged volume of specific brain regions (MRI), altered specific gravity, and transient hyper-metabolism ([18F]FDG PET). The alterations in brain development concurred with hyper-responsiveness in auditory startle response and slight hyperactivity in young adult animals. Genomics identified altered transcription of key regulators involved in neurodevelopment and neural function (e.g. Nrgrn, Shank3, Igf1r, Cck, Apba2, Foxp2); and regulators involved in cell size, cell proliferation, and organ development, especially immune system development and functioning (e.g. LOC679869, Itga11, Arhgap5, Cd47, Dlg1, Gas6, Cml5, Mef2c). The results suggest the involvement of immunotoxicity in the impairment of the nervous system by DOTC and support the hypothesis of a close connection between the immune and nervous systems in brain development.

Developmental immunotoxicity of ethanol in an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study.

The susceptibility of developing immune system to chemical disruption warrants the assessment of immune parameters in reproductive and developmental testing protocols. In this study, a wide range of immune endpoints was included in an extended one-generation reproduction toxicity study (EOGRTS) design to determine the relative sensitivity of immune and developmental parameters to ethanol (EtOH), a well-known developmental toxicant with immunomodulatory properties. Adult Wistar rats were exposed to EtOH via drinking water (0, 1.5, 4, 6.5, 9, 11.5 and 14 % (w/v EtOH)) during premating, mating, gestation and lactation and continuation of exposure of the F(1) from weaning until killed. Immune assessments were performed at postnatal days (PNDs) 21, 42 and 70. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-specific immune responses were evaluated following subcutaneous immunizations on PNDs 21 and 35. EtOH exposure affected innate as well as adaptive immune responses. The most sensitive immune parameters included white blood cell subpopulations, ConA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation, LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production by adherent splenocytes and KLH-specific immune responses. Most parameters showed recovery after cessation of EtOH exposure after weaning in the 14 % exposure group. However, effects on LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production by adherent splenocytes and KLH-specific parameters persisted until PND 70. The results demonstrate the relative sensitivity to EtOH of especially functional immune parameters and confirm the added value of immune parameters in the EOGRTS. Furthermore, this study identified an expanded KLH-specific parameter set and LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production by adherent splenocytes as valuable parameters that can provide additional information on functional immune effects.

2D and 3D assessment of neuropathology in rat brain after prenatal exposure to methylazoxymethanol, a model for developmental neurotoxicty.

To evaluate the ability of a tiered quantitative morphological approach to reveal developmental neurotoxicity, morphometric parameters were measured in the offspring of rats treated with methylazoxymethanol (MAM) during days 13-15 of pregnancy. Treatment was aimed at inhibiting the proliferation phase of hippocampal neurons while leaving cerebellar neurons unaffected. 2D and 3D assessment of brain morphology combined with straightforward measurement of brain size, weight and volume, and the usefulness of estimation of total neuron numbers were studied. Each tier indicated major effects of MAM, from macroscopic effects in the cerebrum (first tier) to a considerable loss of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal layer (third tier). The cerebellum and the number of cerebellar granular neurons were not changed. Along with each step of the proposed tiered approach (brain size-->linear morphometry-->stereology), the discriminative strength of the endpoints, and thus the probability to pinpoint the extent and location of developmental brain lesions increased.

Regulatory developmental neurotoxicity testing: a model study focussing on conventional neuropathology endpoints and other perspectives.

Our aim was to investigate a model of the morphologic approach proposed in guidelines for developmental neurotoxicity testing (DNT). Hereto, a limited DNT study [EPA Health Effects Test Guidelines OPPTS 870.6300, 1996a. Developmental Neurotoxicity Study "Public Draft", United States Environmental Protection Agency; Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (7101); EPA 712-C-96-239, June 1996. ] was carried out with different doses of methylazoxy methanol acetate (MAM), known to affect brain morphology and neuron numbers in the developing brain. After gross examination, the brains of F1-animals were further dissected along neuro-anatomical landmarks to ensure homology between tissues of different individuals. The (relative) weight of the brain (parts) was determined. One brain half (alternating left/right to avoid lateralization) was further used for microscopic slide reading and measurement of brain layer width (linear morphometry); the other was set aside for stereologic investigation in a later phase of the study. In the offspring, a clear reduction in brain size (gross macroscopy) and weight (MAM high- and top-dose groups) was observed on postnatal days (PN) 22 and 62, but this reduction was hard to pinpoint in the microscope as the changes primarily appeared quantitative in nature, rather than qualitative. Linear measurements of brain layer width appeared very sensitive and efficient. This first step of a project is presented and the perspectives of a further stereologic investigation are discussed.

Delay and impairment in brain development and function in rat offspring after maternal exposure to methylmercury.

Maternal exposure to the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) has been shown to have adverse effects on neural development of the offspring in man. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms by which MeHg affects the developing brain. To explore the neurodevelopmental defects and the underlying mechanism associated with MeHg exposure, the cerebellum and cerebrum of Wistar rat pups were analyzed by [(18)F]FDG PET functional imaging, field potential analysis, and microarray gene expression profiling. Female rat pups were exposed to MeHg via maternal diet during intrauterinal and lactational period (from gestational day 6 to postnatal day (PND)10), and their brain tissues were sampled for the analysis at weaning (PND18-21) and adulthood (PND61-70). The [(18)F]FDG PET imaging and field potential analysis suggested a delay in brain activity and impaired neural function by MeHg. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis substantiated these findings by showing (1) a delay in the onset of gene expression related to neural development, and (2) alterations in pathways related to both structural and functional aspects of nervous system development. The latter included changes in gene expression of developmental regulators, developmental phase-associated genes, small GTPase signaling molecules, and representatives of all processes required for synaptic transmission. These findings were observed at dose levels at which only marginal changes in conventional developmental toxicity endpoints were detected. Therefore, the approaches applied in this study are promising in terms of yielding increased sensitivity compared with classical developmental toxicity tests.

Developmental immunotoxicity of di-n-octyltin dichloride (DOTC) in an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity study.

Developmental immunotoxicity assessment is considered ready for inclusion in developmental toxicity studies. Further evaluation of proposed and additional assays is needed to determine their utility in assessing developmental immunotoxicity. In this study, a wide range of immunological parameters was included in an extended one-generation reproductive toxicity protocol. F(0) Wistar rats were exposed to DOTC via the feed (0, 3, 10, and 30mg/kg) during pre-mating, mating, gestation and lactation and subsequently F(1) were exposed from weaning until sacrifice. Immune assessments by several immune parameters were performed at PNDs 21, 42 and 70. The T cell-dependent antibody response to Keyhole Limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was assessed following subcutaneous immunizations with KLH on PNDs 21 and 35 and the delayed-type hypersensitivity response (DTH) against KLH was evaluated at PND 49. No effects were found on PND 21. While effects on lymphocyte subpopulations in the thymus were only observed in the 30mg/kg group on PND 42, effects on lymphocyte subpopulations in the spleen were found in the 30mg/kg group on both PNDs 42 and 70. The DTH response already showed an effect at 3mg/kg and was the overall critical endpoint. The results from this study support the inclusion of splenocyte subpopulation parameters in developmental toxicity studies and identified the DTH response as an important functional parameter.

Developmental immunotoxicity of methylmercury: the relative sensitivity of developmental and immune parameters.

Current developmental and reproductive toxicity protocols include only a limited set of parameters for effects on the developing immune system. In this study, a wide range of immunological parameters were included in a pre- and postnatal developmental toxicity study. Dose-response data were compared to determine the relative sensitivity of different immune and developmental parameters. Mated female Wistar rats were dosed daily by gavage with methylmercury (0, 0.1, 0.4, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/kg BW/day) from gestational day 6 to postnatal day (PND) 10. In addition to general, reproductive, and developmental parameters, a wide range of immunological parameters were assessed in male offspring at PNDs 21, 42, and 70. The T cell-dependent antibody response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was assessed following sc immunizations on PNDs 21 and 35. Dose-response data were analyzed using the benchmark dose (BMD) approach by fitting dose-response models to the various endpoints. Methylmercury induced effects on developmental parameters, such as growth parameters and pup mortality. Effects on the immune system were found at doses without observed developmental toxicity. Immune effects differed at the three time points and consisted mainly of effects on functional parameters. The parameter with the lowest 5% lower confidence bound of the BMD (BMDL) was the primary KLH-specific IgG antibody response, which showed a dose-dependent decrease with a BMD of 0.039 mg/kg BW/day (CI 0.010-0.12). These data show the relatively high sensitivity of the developing immune system and thereby illustrate the relevance of testing immune parameters in reproductive and developmental toxicity testing protocols.