Background: Previous studies have shown an association between prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) and adverse brain development. However, it is unclear whether gestational exposure to community-sampled residential PM has an impact on the developing brain.

Objectives: We aimed to test whether in utero exposure to PM from residential roof spaces (ceiling voids) alters critical foetal neurodevelopmental processes.

Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were intranasally exposed to 100 μg of roof space particles (~5 mg kg^-1) in 50 μl of saline, or saline alone under light methoxyflurane anaesthesia, throughout mid-to-late gestation. At 2 weeks post-natal age, pups were sacrificed and assessed for body and brain growth. The brain tissue was collected and examined for a range of neurodevelopmental markers for synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity, gliogenic events and myelination by immunohistochemistry.

Results: Gestational exposure to roof space PM reduced post-natal body and brain weights. There was no significant effect of roof space PM exposure on synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity or astrocyte density. However, PM exposure caused increased myelin load in the white matter and elevated microglial density which was dependent on the PM sample. These effects were found to be consistent between male and female mice.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that exposure to residential roof space PM during pregnancy impairs somatic growth and causes neuropathological changes in the developing brain.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	brain development, foetal growth, maternal exposure, particulate matter
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Neurosciences
Research Field:	Central nervous system
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Prevention of human diseases and conditions
UTAS Author:	Song, Y (Dr Yong Song)
UTAS Author:	Southam, K (Dr Katherine Southam)
UTAS Author:	Bennett, E (Ms Ellen Bennett)
UTAS Author:	Johnston, F (Professor Fay Johnston)
UTAS Author:	Foa, L (Professor Lisa Foa)
UTAS Author:	Wheeler, AJ (Dr Amanda Wheeler)
UTAS Author:	Zosky, GR (Professor Graeme Zosky)
ID Code:	141832
Year Published:	2020
Funding Support:	National Health and Medical Research Council (1116412)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	84
Deposited By:	Menzies Institute for Medical Research
Deposited On:	2020-11-25
Last Modified:	2021-08-18
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