Sex-dependent effects of maternal PCB exposure on the electroretinogram inadult rats

The purpose of the present experiment was to evaluate the effects of develo pmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the visual system. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were treated with the ortho-chlorinated 2,2',3,4'- tetrachlotobiphenyl and/or with the coplanar 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl. Total dose of PCBs was 18 mg/kg in all groups. Measurements of the flash-e voked electroretinogram (ERG) started in the offspring at an age of about 2 00 days. The scotopic b-wave, the maximum potential, and oscillatory potent ials were recorded after dark adaptation. Amplitudes of these potentials we re reduced in female rats exposed to the coplanar PCB. No differences from controls were found in females of other groups or male rats. The results in dicate long-lasting effects on the scotopic ERG after maternal PCB exposure that are sex dependent and congener specific. To our knowledge, this is th e first experimental report of PCB-related influences on visual processes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.