Chlorpyrifos-induced dysregulation of synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampal neurons

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide. Increasing evidence has shown that exposure to CPF in early life might induce neurodevelopmental disorders, but the pathogenesis remains uncertain. Synaptic plasticity plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CPF on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons and establish the cellular mechanism underlying these effects. Using CPF-exposed rat and primary hippocampal neurons model, we analyzed the impact of CPF on the synaptic morphology, the expression level of a presynaptic protein, a postsynaptic protein and ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), as well as the effects on the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. We found that the synapses were shortened, the spines were decreased, and the expression of synaptophysin (Syp), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), GluN1, GluA1 and Wnt7a, as well as active beta-catenin in primary hippocampal neurons was decreased. Our study suggests that CPF exposure induced dysregulation of synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampal neurons, which might provide novel information regarding the mechanism of CPF-induced neurodevelopmental disorders.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Chlorpyrifos (CPF) on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons and establish the cellular mechanism underlying these effects. Using CPF-exposed rat and primary hippocampal neurons model, the study analyzed the impact of CPF on synaptic morphology, the expression level of various proteins, and the effects on the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. The findings suggest that CPF exposure induces dysregulation of synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampal neurons, providing novel information regarding the mechanism of CPF-induced neurodevelopmental disorders.