(620h) Evaluating Developmental Toxicity of Novel Molecules: A New Model System

It has been reported that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is detrimental to human development, yet the toxic effects are not fully understood. BPA is widely used as an effective plasticizer and it provides desirable properties to materials in a variety of applications from water bottles to thermal resistant coatings on military vehicles.  We recently developed an alternative monomer, bisguaiacol F (BGF), that maintains structural similarities to BPA and is developed from renewable resources.  In this work, we evaluate the relative developmental toxicity of BGF and BPA using a new model system, the Schmidtea mediterranea (Smed) planarian.  Smed are small, freshwater flatworms that possess a centralized nervous system, a sequenced genome, and extensive regenerative capabilities that enable the regeneration of a portion of, or all of, the central nervous system.  Using an assessment of Smed cognitive ability throughout head regeneration, we found that BPA exposure induces a delay in the reacquisition of cognitive function.  BGF exposure also induces a delay, but of considerably shorter duration.  Furthermore, lethality testing showed that Smed are more resistant to BGF exposure than BPA exposure.  These results suggest that BGF may reduce the developmental toxicity of BPA and that Smed planaria could provide a new model system for neurotoxicology and teratology investigations.