Assessing Adult Memory and Learning in Three Genotypes of Mice Exposed to Benzo[a]Pyrene During Early Brain Development

Abstract

"Benzo-[a]-pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and a major component of trafficrelated air pollution. It has been linked to learning and memory deficits. BaP binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and is metabolized by CYP1 enzymes. We look for genetic differences that affect susceptibility to early life BaP exposure using a mouse model and tests of learning and memory. BaP- treated AhrbCyp1a2(-/-) mice took significantly longer to find an escape platform in the Morris water maze. BaP- exposed mice also had significantly impaired reference memory in the maze probe trials and in the novel object test of visual recognition memory."