Application of Supermex System to Screen Behavioral Traits Produced by Tributyltin in the Rat

Abstract

It has been unknown whether or not endocrine disruptors exert their effects on neuronal functions, particularly leading to behavioral alterations. To address this hypothesis, we applied the Supermex system that detects the radiated body heat of an animal, representing the spontaneous motor activity of it. Intracisteral administration of tributyltin, an endocrine disruptor, into 5-day-old Wistar rats caused hyperactivity at 4-5 weeks of age. It was about 1.4 fold more hyperactive than vehicle-treated rats in the dark phase, but not in the light phase. Thus, it might be possible to apply the Supermex system to screen the behavioral deficits produced by other endocrine disruptors.