Evaluation of Neurotoxicity in BALB/c Mice following Chronic Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics

Background: The toxicity of microplastics (MPs) has attracted wide attention from researchers. Previous studies have indicated that MPs produce toxic effects on a variety of organs in aquatic organisms and mammals. However, the exact neurotoxicity of MPs in mammals is still unclear. Objectives: We aimed to confirm the neurotoxicity of chronic exposure to polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) at environmental pollution concentrations. Methods: In the present study, mice were provided drinking water containing 100μg/L and 1,000μg/L PS-MPs with diameters of 0.5, 4, and 10μm for 180 consecutive days. After the exposure period, the mice were anesthetized to gain brain tissues. The accumulation of PS-MPs in brain tissues, integrity of the blood–brain barrier, inflammation, and spine density were detected. We evaluated learning and memory ability by the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Results: We observed the accumulation of PS-MPs with various particle diameters (0.5, 4, and 10μm) in the brains of exposed mice. Meanwhile, exposed mice also exhibited disruption of the blood–brain barrier, higher level of dendritic spine density, and an inflammatory response in the hippocampus. In addition, exposed mice exhibited cognitive and memory deficits compared with control mice as determined using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests, respectively. There was a concentration-dependent trend, but no particle size-dependent differences were seen in the neurotoxicity of MPs. Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggested that PS-MPs exposure can lead to learning and memory dysfunctions and induce neurotoxic effects in mice, findings which have wide-ranging implications for the public regarding the potential risks of MPs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10255