Using the FI/EXT task to evaluate response inhibition seen in rats with PCB and PBDE exposure: Parallels with ADHD
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental contaminants that can cause damage to humans and animals. Their chemical and physical stability makes it possible for them to bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife. This pollutant can cross the placenta and concentrate in breast milk, causing neurological and behavior problems in the child. The pattern of behavior seen in PCB exposed rats may be characterized as impulsive and inattentive, which in addition to hyperactivity, are the main symptoms of the ADHD syndrome observed in children. Another chemical that can cause similar effects also exists. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are commonly used chemicals that have similar molecular structure to PCBs and also can bioacummulate in the human body. The multiple FI/EXT task was used to study the behavioral effects of PBDEs and compare these with the effects of PCBs. This task is convenient for studying the behavioral characteristics of children with ADHD. Unexpectedly, PBDEs exposed rats showed decreased responses in the FI/EXT task. This chemical, that is present in our environment can effect the health of children exposed pre-and post-natally, but the behavior problems (fewer responses) are not characteristic of ADHD.
School:
Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Department:
Neuroscience
Research Advisor:
Susan Schantz
Department of Research Advisor:
Veterinary Biosciences
Year of Publication:
2008