This study aimed to investigate the transgenerational
effects of
tributyltin exposure on rat neurodevelopment in male offspring and
the potential mechanisms. Neonatal female rats were exposed to the
environmental level of tributyltin and then mated with nonexposed
males after sexual maturity to produce the F1 generation. The F1 generation
(with primordial germ cell exposure) was mated with nonexposed males
to produce nonexposed offspring (the F2 and F3 generations). Neurodevelopmental
indicators and behavior were observed for the F1, F2, and F3 generations
during postnatal days 1–25 and 35–56, respectively.
We found premature eye-opening and delayed visual positioning in newborn
F1 rats and anxiety and cognitive deficits in prepubertal F1 male
rats. These neurodevelopmental impacts were also observed in F2 and
F3 males. Additionally, F1–F3 males exhibited increased serotonin
and dopamine levels and a loose arrangement of neurons in the hippocampus.
We also observed a reduction in the expression of genes involved in
intercellular adhesion and increased DNA methylation of the Dsc3 promoter in F1–F3 males. We concluded that tributyltin
exposure led to transgenerational effects on neurodevelopment via
epigenetic reprogramming in male offspring. These findings provide
insights into the risks of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring
from parents exposed to tributyltin.
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