Transgenerational toxicity of Aroclor 1232 by inhalational route in mouse model

Abstract

Background Aroclor 1232 is a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls with occupational toxicological implications as it contains semi-volatile congeners like PCB 77, along with highly lipophillic ones like PCB 180. We aimed to assess the trans-generational behavioral toxicities of this complex mixture in mice by inhalational dosing chamber. We also aimed to evaluate the penetrability of PCBs across placental and lactational routes in mice in this study. Methods We assessed the probable route of penetration in the first generation of litters using behavioral scores as surrogate markers of developmental toxicity. We also quantified plasma concentrations of key PCBs and anthropometric parameters for trans-generational comparability. Results PCBs are responsible for behavioral toxicities across one generation of mice by occupational exposures via the inhalational route. Behavioral scores of F1 and F2generation mice indicated as surrogate endpoints that PCBs are concentrated in lactating milk more than placental route in the next generation of mice. No significant lethality or effects on anthropometrical parameters were detected across one generation although the congeners were detected in plasma of the litters when they were 12–14 weeks age. Conclusion PCBs may pose both indoor and outdoor occupational hazard by inhalational routes and cause behavioral deficits across one generation by transfer via lactational routes. PCB 77 is more evident of penetrating trans-generationally and produces behavioral toxicities in subsequent generations. They definitely carry inhalational hazard in workplaces and outdoor as environmental pollutants and neuroendocrine disruptors.