The Effects of Developmental Bisphenol A Exposure on Anxiety- and Depression-like Behaviors in CD-1 Mice

Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) has been linked to disruption of normal hormonal processes and marked behavioral changes. This study investigated the effects of perinatal BPA exposure on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors during adulthood in mice. Pregnant mice were exposed to low doses of BPA. From postnatal day 1 to 21, pups were directly dosed. The mice were assessed on anxiety- or depression-like behaviors using the Open Field, Elevated Plus Maze, Tail Suspension, and Forced Swim Tests as adults. Overall, the results suggest that developmental exposure to BPA may be having effects on anxiety-like behaviors during adulthood, while depression-like behaviors do not seem to be as affected. The effects on anxiety in this study are subtle; therefore, future research (including replication of these results) will be necessary to determine the meaningfulness of these results