Distinct Role of Mono-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate in Neuronal Transmission in Rat CA3 Hippocampal Neurons: Involvement of Ion Channels

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) is one of the main active metabolites of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). In our previous works, by using rat and Drosophila models, we showed a disruption of neural function due to DEHP. However, the exact neural effects of MEHP are still unclear. To explore the effects of MEHP on the central nervous system, the electrophysiological properties of spontaneous action potential (sAP), mini-excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), ion channels, including Na+, Ca2+, and K+ channels from rat CA3 hippocampal neurons area were assessed. Our data showed that MEHP (at the concentrations of 100 or 300 mu M) decreased the amplitude of sAP and the frequency of mEPSCs. Additionally, MEHP (100 or 300 mu M) significantly reduced the peak current density of Ca2+ channels, whereas only the concentration of 300 mu M decreased the peak current density of Na+ and K+ channels. Therefore, our results indicate that exposure to MEHP could affect the neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity of rat CA3 hippocampal neurons by inhibiting ion channels' activity, implying the distinct role of MEHP in neural transmission.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of MEHP on the central nervous system by assessing the electrophysiological properties of rat CA3 hippocampal neurons. The results showed that MEHP decreased the amplitude of spontaneous action potential and the frequency of mini-excitatory postsynaptic currents. It also inhibited the activity of ion channels, suggesting its distinct role in neural transmission.