Early life exposure to acephate exerts the neurobehavior and gut microbiota in adult mice

Abstract

Acephate (Ace), an organophosphate insecticide, is also toxic to mammals. In this study, we examined the effects of chronic Ace exposure in early life on the brain functions and gut microbiota in adult male and female mice, including acceptable daily intake (ADI) level concentrations. These results suggested that chronic exposure to Ace during the early developmental stages, even at ADI level concentrations, leads to neurobehavioral diseases and disruption of the gut microbiota. The correlation between Ace-induced behavioral effects and an altered microbiome will be further investigated.