Adverse effects of prenatal exposure to residential dust on post-natal brain development

Abstract

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 ..