Effects of piperonyl butoxide on spontaneous behavior in F 1 -generation mice

Piperonyl butoxide was given in the diet to provide levels of 0 (control), 0.02%, 0.06%, and 0.18% from 5 weeks of age of the F 0 generation to 12 weeks of age of the F 1 generation in mice. Select reproductive and neurobehavioral parameters were then measured. In exploratory behavior in the F 0 generation, vertical time of adult females increased significantly in a dose-related manner. In behavioral developmental parameters, cliff avoidance was delayed significantly in the high-dose group in male offspring, and this effect was significantly dose-related. In female offspring, surface righting was significantly delayed in the high-dose group, and this effect was significantly dose-related. In spontaneous behavior in the F 1 generation, females showed more activities in some variables in the high-dose group. Dose levels of piperonyl butoxide used in the present study produced several adverse effects in neurobehavioral parameters in mice.