BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a common organophosphate pesticide that can be dangerous for non- target organisms, including humans, due to its neurotoxicity. Its main mechanism is cholinesterase inhibition, but CPF also leads to various alterations on physiological, biochemical and even cell levels, caused by other mechanisms. In the last few years, new data emerged, showing neurotoxic effects of even low doses of CPF, previously claimed as “safe”. The aim of our study was to investigate if chronic exposure of female rats to low doses of chlorpyrifos, or a single dose at the beginning of the pregnancy (both causing no visible acute effects), does lead to any alterations in the emotional state and cognitive abilities of their offspring. METHODS: We exposed three groups of female Wistar rats to 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg CPF daily for 30 days, 4 months before their pregnancy. One more group of females was exposed to a single dose of 30 mg/kg CPFat the 6th gestational day. Control females were intact. All rat pups were counted, measured and weighted for calculation of the survival ratio, weight gain temp, and Quetelet body mass index. The grown-up offspring of all groups was tested with behavioral tests: Open Field, Dark/Light Box, Extrapolation Escape Task. RESULTS: The offspring of exposed females showed lower survival ratio and Quetelet index, comparing to controls. Also, the exploratory activity of rats whose mothers were exposed to 15 mg/ kg CPF before pregnancy, abnormally increased in Open Field and Dark/Light Box tests, and the prenatally exposed rats showed poorer cognitive abilities in the Extrapolation Escape Task. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure of female rats to low doses of CPF before and during pregnancy caused an increase in exploratory activity and a decrease in cognitive abilities of the second generation.
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