Neurotoxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

TL;DRAbstract

Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), a class of brominated compounds used as flame retardants, are widespread and persistent contaminants, which accumulate in the environment, in animals, in the food chain, and in humans. Several studies have highlighted that the toxicity of this substances impacts the nervous system during development, as perinatal exposure to PBDEs has been shown to affect behavior, in particular motor and cognitive activities. The present research project investigated the neurotoxicity of PBDEs through an in vitro approach. The potential interactions between different PBDEs congeners, and between PBDEs and PCBs, another class of persistent contaminants, to which humans are also exposed, was assessed utilizing the Loewe additive model and the Bliss independence criterion. Additionally, a potential mechanism of PBDEs neurotoxicity was investigated, by studying the involvement of glutamate, the main neurotransmitter of central nervous system.\nThe major findings pres

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