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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Effects of environmental contaminant exposure on visual brain development: A prospective electrophysiological study in school-aged children
NeuroToxicology, Volume 33, No. 5, Year 2012
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Description
The Inuit from Nunavik (Northern Québec) are one of the most highly exposed populations to environmental contaminants in North America mainly due to the bioaccumulation of contaminants in fish and marine mammals that constitute an important part of their diet. This follow-up study aimed to assess the impact of exposure to contaminants on visual brain development in school-age Inuit children (mean age = 10.9 years). Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were measured in umbilical cord blood and again in blood samples at the time of testing, reflecting pre- and current exposure, respectively. Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were scalp-recorded at the occipital cortex. Visual stimulation consisted of achromatic gratings presented at four visual contrast levels: 95%, 30%, 12% and 4%. The relation between environmental contaminant body burdens and VEPs was examined by regression analysis controlling for confounding variables, including fish nutrients and other toxicants. No significant association was found for PCB exposure after statistical adjustments. Cord blood mercury level was associated with a reduction of the N75 amplitude at the highest contrast level and with a delay of the N75 latency at the 12% contrast level. Prenatal exposure to lead was associated with a delay of the N150 latency at most contrast levels. This study suggests that heavy metal exposure, in particular during the gestational period, can impair the development of visual processing. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.
Authors & Co-Authors
Dewailly, Éric
Canada, Quebec
Chu de Québec-université Laval
Canada, Quebec
Université Laval, Faculté de Médecine
Ayotte, Pierre
Canada, Quebec
Chu de Québec-université Laval
Canada, Quebec
Université Laval, Faculté de Médecine
Arfken, Cynthia Lee
United States, Detroit
Wayne State University
Jacobson, Sandra W.
United States, Detroit
Wayne State University
Jacobson, Joseph L.
United States, Detroit
Wayne State University
Saint-Amour, Dave
Canada, Montreal
Chu Sainte-justine - le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mère-enfant
Canada, Montreal
Université du Québec à Montréal
Statistics
Citations: 58
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 6
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.neuro.2012.05.010
ISSN:
18729711
Research Areas
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cohort Study
Study Approach
Quantitative