Effects of Short-Term in Vivo Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on Thyroid Hormones and Hepatic Enzyme Activities in Weanling Rats

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants, are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. PBDEs act as endocrine disruptors via alterations in thyroid hormone homeostasis. We examined thyroid hormone concentrations and hepatic enzyme activity in weanling rats exposed to three commercial PBDE mixtures: DE-71, DE-79, and DE-83R. Female Long-Evans rats, 28 days old, were orally administered various doses of DE-71, DE-79, or DE-83R for 4 days. Serum and liver samples were collected 24 h after th…