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Perinatal exposure to PBDEs elevate systolic blood pressure in response to hyperosmotic stimulation in aged adult rats.
Citation:
Shah, A., M. Gaertner, C. Coburn, PRASADA RAO S. KODAVANTI, A. Watson-Siroboe, A. Shahidizadeh, R. Whitley, E. R. Gillard, AND M. Curras-Collazo. Perinatal exposure to PBDEs elevate systolic blood pressure in response to hyperosmotic stimulation in aged adult rats. Presented at FASEB, San Diego, CA, April 05 - 09, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
Because of the interaction between PBDEs and VP, we hypothesized that there should be measurable effects of PBDEs on blood pressure (BP).
Description:
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants used widely throughout the U S. These chemicals are persistent throughout the environment and accumulate in biota. In previous work, we showed that PBDEs and the structurally similar compounds such as PCBs disrupt the somatodendritic and/or peripheral release of vasopressin (VP) from the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus (Coburn et al, 2005; 2007). VP hormone output into the circulation produces vasoconstriction and antidiuresis. Because of the interaction between PBDEs and VP, we hypothesized that there should be measurable effects of PBDEs on blood pressure (BP). PBDE-treated rats were exposed perinatally to the PBDE industrial mixture, DE-71 (mothers given 1.7 or 30.6 mg/kg/d, GD 6-PND 21 by oral gavage) and then tested at 14-18 months. BP was measured using tail cuff sphygmometry. First, the rats were tamed until their baseline BP was stable (compared restraint vs anesthesia). Rats were subjected to an ip injection (0.6cc/100g) of 0.15 M (normosmotic) or 3.5 M NaCl (hyperosmotic). PBDE treatment alone did not change basal BP at 30 min or 3 h. Hyperosmotic PBDE-treated rats showed a significant increase in systolic BP at 3 h post injection. In comparison, hyperosmotic controls (PBDE-naïve) showed no significant rise in BP at any timepoint. These results suggest that exposure to environmental PBDEs may permanently disrupt cardiovascular function. Supported by UC Mexus (MC) and American Heart Association (RW), UC Dean’s Research Fellowship (AS), MARC program (MG). (This abstract does not necessarily reflect USEPA policy).