Lack of Alterations in Thyroid Hormones Following Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether 47 during a Period of Rapid Brain Development in Mice

Abstract

Thyroid alterations have been shown to occur following exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mixtures, possibly indicating that disruptions in thyroid hormone levels may underlie behavior deficits observed in animals following postnatal PBDE exposure. This study determined whether acute postnatal exposure to PBDE-47 would alter thyroid hormones. Mice were dosed with PBDE-47 on postnatal day 10, and serum collected either 1, 5, or 10 days after the dose. No effect was observed on thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels at any age examined. This suggests that the neurological abnormalities reported in mice exposed to PBDE-47 are not due to acute changes in circulating thyroid hormones at these observed periods.

Key Words: :

• Polybrominated diphenyl ether
• Thyroid hormone
• Postnatal development
• Brain

Notes

The information in this document has been funded wholly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It has been reviewed by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views of the Agency nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.