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Citation
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HERO ID
3123894
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Chronic Administration of Benzo(a)pyrene Induces Memory Impairment and Anxiety-Like Behavior and Increases of NR2B DNA Methylation
Author(s)
Zhang, W; Tian, F; Zheng, J; Li, S; Qiang, Mei
Year
2016
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
PLoS ONE
EISSN:
1932-6203
Publisher
PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE
Location
SAN FRANCISCO
Volume
11
Issue
2
Page Numbers
e0149574
Language
English
PMID
26901155
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0149574
Web of Science Id
WOS:000371276100100
URL
https://www.proquest.com/docview/1767916048?accountid=171501&bdid=13857&_bd=fQQRJpZrwtWIBgFzuQc33tYirvk%3D
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Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Recently, an increasing number of human and animal studies have reported that exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) induces neurological abnormalities and is also associated with adverse effects, such as tumor formation, immunosuppression, teratogenicity, and hormonal disorders. However, the exact mechanisms underlying BaP-induced impairment of neurological function remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the regulating mechanisms underlying the impact of chronic BaP exposure on neurobehavioral performance.
METHODS:
C57BL mice received either BaP in different doses (1.0, 2.5, 6.25 mg/kg) or olive oil twice a week for 90 days. Memory and emotional behaviors were evaluated using Y-maze and open-field tests, respectively. Furthermore, levels of mRNA expression were measured by using qPCR, and DNA methylation of NMDA receptor 2B subunit (NR2B) was examined using bisulfate pyrosequencing in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
RESULTS:
Compared to controls, mice that received BaP (2.5, 6.25 mg/kg) showed deficits in short-term memory and an anxiety-like behavior. These behavioral alterations were associated with a down-regulation of the NR2B gene and a concomitant increase in the level of DNA methylation in the NR2B promoter in the two brain regions.
CONCLUSIONS:
Chronic BaP exposure induces an increase in DNA methylation in the NR2B gene promoter and down-regulates NR2B expression, which may contribute to its neurotoxic effects on behavioral performance. The results suggest that NR2B vulnerability represents a target for environmental toxicants in the brain.
Tags
IRIS
•
Ammonia, Oral - Problem Formulation
•
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)
August 2016 Update
Animal Studies
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