Characterization of maternal transfer of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) administered to pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats

To evaluate maternal transfer of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), Sprague–Dawley rats were given daily oral doses of 5 μmol/kg b.w. BDE-209 in peanut oil from gestation day (GD) 7 to postpartum day (PD) 4. BDE-209 was increased temporally in maternal blood, placenta, fetuses and neonates. Furthermore, more BDE-209 was found in neonate whole-body samples obtained during lactational period (PD 4) than in that of fetal whole-body samples during pregnancy GD 15 and 21. Overall an increase was observed over time for nona-BDE levels in maternal blood and placenta, but these congeners were decreased in fetuses or neonates. Slight changes were observed for octa-BDEs in both maternal blood and placenta while a significant decrease was observed in the fetuses or neonates for BDE-196 and 198/203. These results demonstrated that BDE-209 and its metabolites can transport to the placenta and milk, and eventually enter the fetuses and/or the neonates.

Research highlights▶ We reported the maternal transfer of BDE-209 and its metabolites. ▶ BDE-209 was increased temporally in maternal blood, placenta, fetuses and neonates. ▶ More BDE-209 was found in neonate than in fetus. ▶ Nona- and octa-BDEs were found in maternal blood, placenta, fetuses and neonates.