Microscopic analysis based on the quantitative behavioral tests in rodents for identification of the molecular target of developmental neurotoxicity

本研究的目的是建立环境化学物质发育神经毒性的显微分析方法，并确定发育神经毒性的分子标记。我们发现，围产期暴露于低剂量的二恶英诱导异常的行为，包括行为不稳定性，强迫性重复行为，和低社会优势的小鼠。免疫组化分析证实内侧前额叶皮质（mPFC）的低激活和杏仁核的高激活是这些行为异常的潜在生物学基础。

The aim of this study is to develop the microscopic analysis methodology, and identify the molecular marker for developmental neurotoxicity of environmental chemicals. We found that perinatal exposure to a low dose of dioxin induces abnormal behaviors, including behavioral inflexibility, compulsive repetitive behavior, and low social dominance in mice. Immuhohistochemical analysis validated that hypoactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hyperactivation of the amygdala are the potential biological basis for these behavioral abnormalities.