Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid on mouse mammary gland development and differentiation resulting from cross-foster and restricted gestational exposures

Reprod Toxicol. 2009 Jun;27(3-4):289-298. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2008.11.054. Epub 2008 Nov 27.

Abstract

The adverse consequences of developmental exposures to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are established in mice, and include impaired development of the mammary gland (MG). However, the relationships between timing or route of exposure, and consequences in the MG have not been characterized. To address the effects of these variables on the onset and persistence of MG effects in female offspring, timed pregnant CD-1 dams received PFOA by oral gavage over various gestational durations. Cross-fostering studies identified the 5mg/kg dose, under either lactational- or intrauterine-only exposures, to delay MG development as early as postnatal day (PND) 1, persisting beyond PND 63. Intrauterine exposure during the final days of pregnancy caused adverse MG developmental effects similar to that of extended gestational exposures. These studies confirm a window of MG sensitivity in late fetal and early neonatal life, and demonstrate developmental PFOA exposure results in early and persistent MG effects, suggesting permanent consequences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caprylates / administration & dosage
  • Caprylates / toxicity*
  • Environmental Pollutants / administration & dosage
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Fetal Development / drug effects
  • Fluorocarbons / administration & dosage
  • Fluorocarbons / toxicity*
  • Gestational Age
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / drug effects*
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / growth & development
  • Maternal Deprivation
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Pregnancy
  • Random Allocation

Substances

  • Caprylates
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fluorocarbons
  • perfluorooctanoic acid