Dose Dependent Effects of Bisphenol A Exposure on Locomotor Activity, Acetylcholinesterase and Redox System Parameters in Zebrafish Embryos

Introduction: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are either synthetic or natural compounds in the environment that can interfere with endocrine functions. Exposure to EDCs during development is a major concern, and the health consequences may be permanent or long-lasting. Bisphenol A (BPA) is known to be an EDC and prenatal BPA exposure has been related to differences in children’s brain microstructure, leading to differences in children’s behavioral symptoms. Moreover, high BPA exposure during pregnancy is related to increased behavioral problems throughout childhood. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of BPA exposure in zebrafish embryos, focusing on locomotor activities and biochemical parameters. Methods: Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 1μg/L and 10 μg/L BPA until 72 hpf. At the end of exposure period, locomotor activities were determined and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Results: Concentration-dependent changes were determined in GST and SOD activities, indicating increased response to oxidative stress due to BPA toxicity. AChE acitivity alterations and locomotor activity changes pointed out the importance of concentration in the neurotoxic effects of BPA in zebrafish embryos. Conclusion: The results of our study pointed out that new studies are needed to examine the effects of BPA, especially on cognitive and locomotor functions.