Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) selectively disrupt serotonergic cell growth in the developing Spisula embryo.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that exert neurotoxic effects during embryonic development. The present study demonstrates that early embryonic exposure to a mixture of PCBs (Aroclor 1254) results in a decrease in serotonergic cell growth. Using a novel, marine invertebrate embryo model, Spisula solidissima, immunocytochemistry, and confocal microscopy techniques, a dose-dependent decrease in serotonergic cell number was quantified within 24 h of exposure. This effect was seen with doses as low as 1 ppm Aroclor 1254. These findings demonstrate that environmentally relevant doses of Aroclor 1254 impair development of the serotonergic nervous system.
Smith
C R
CR
Department of Environmental and Population Health, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA.
Barker
C M
CM
Barker
L F
LF
Jessen-Eller
K
K
Reinisch
C L
CL
D000818:Animals; D049872:Bivalvia; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine) / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D012701:Serotonin; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls