Benzyl butyl phthalate exposure impairs learning and memory and attenuates neurotransmission and CREB phosphorylation in mice

The existing data are insufficient to evaluate the neurotoxicity of benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) exposure on the brain, and the underlying mechanisms to explain these effects remain unclear. Kun Ming (KM) mice were exposed to BBP (0, 50, 250, 1250 mg/kg) via gavage for 14 days. Employing the Morris water maze (MWM) test, we observed that mice demonstrated poorer learning and memory performance than the control group at doses of 250 and 1250 mg/kg/day. Reduction of locomotor activity in mice and depression were indicated by a long “dead time” in the Forced Swim Test and tail suspension test. Pathological alterations and oxidative damage to the hippocampus were found. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying BBP toxicity, the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and pCREB were tested. The modified levels of 5-HT in the hippocampus and the decreased levels of CREB phosphorylation after BBP exposure suggested a potential mechanism underlying BBP toxicity. We hypothesize that BBP exposure causes a decrease in the number of neurotransmitters, which in turn down regulates the levels of CREB phosphorylation by the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated signaling. The results are an attenuation of the effects of CREB downstream, oxidative damage and impaired behavioral performance.