Neurodevelopmental effects of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in APOE transgenic mice

•A single postnatal exposure to BDE-209 at 30 mg/kg retarded eye opening in apoE2 mice•Subtle differences in maturation exist between mice carrying different apoE polymorphisms (apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4).•The apoE genotype influences the vulnerability to the neurodevelopmental effects of BDE-209.

Exposure to low doses of neurotoxic pollutants during early brain development is a public health concern. Perinatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been associated with neurodevelopmental effects in infants and long-term behavioral alterations in rodents. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is extensively used in the industry, with its potential risk to humans still under examination. In a previous study, we found that a single postnatal administration of BDE-209 impaired spatial learning in mice at 12 months of age, but a similar alteration was present in young mice carrying a specific genotype of apolipoprotein E (apoE). On the basis of our results, the main goal of the current investigation was to assess whether the same exposure to BDE-209 would affect the neurodevelopment of apoE transgenic mice. We used a functional observational battery (FOB) to evaluate the physical and neuromotor maturation of transgenic mice carrying different apoE polymorphisms (ε2, ε3, and ε4). On postnatal day 10, BDE-209 was administered orally at 0, 10 and 30 mg/kg and neurodevelopmental screening was carried out until postnatal day 36. We observed a subtle delay in eye opening in mice carrying the apoE4 genotype. Exposure to the high dose of BDE-209 retarded the eye opening of apoE2 mice, but no other developmental features were affected. The results indicate few effects of BDE-209 during development, while the vulnerability conferred by the apoE genotype may vary depending on age. Identifying relevant early gene-environment interactions is fundamental for a better understanding of adult health and disease.