Neurobehavioral toxicity of triclosan in mice.

ABSTRACT

Triclosan (TCS) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial compound which is used in many cosmetic products, medical devices and house hold products. Toxicity attributed to TCS has recently become a focus of research. Recent studies showed that TCS can easily migrate into the human brain and animal tissues and cause adverse changes in various target organs. Our knowledge of the neurotoxicity of TCS is largely based on very limited data. In this regard, adult male NMRI mice were administered TCS (1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg) by gavage for 14 consecutive days, whereas the control animals were given corn oil. At the end of the exposure, all mice were evaluated for locomotor activity, motor coordination and anxiety behaviors through the use of an open-field test, rotarod test, and elevated-plus maze (EPM) test, and for muscle strength in a grip strength test. A significant change in locomotor activity and coordination was observed in TCS treated mice. In parallel anxiety-like behaviors and muscle strength were affected by TCS. Haematoxylin-eosin staining also showed significant adverse effects in brain tissue of the TCS exposed mice. Based on these results, we conclude that a 14-day TCS exposure resulting in some behavioral disturbances in mice.