Behavioral effects of PCBs in mice

A single i.p. administration to mice of Fenclor 54 (PCB) resulted in various behavioral deficits. PCB significantly reduced locomotor activity and exploratory behavior at dosages of 150 and 300 mg/kg. Dose dependent increased latencies were also found at the same dosages in the “traction test” while in the rota rod test the dosage of 300 mg/kg of PCB only caused a significant increase in mean number of falls off the rod. Furthermore daily dietary administration of PCB (1, 10, 100 ppm) to male mice during a 21-day isolation period was inversely proportional to the amount of aggressive behavior shown, and directly proportional to the amount of non-social behavior (“indifference”). This supports former findings reporting anti-androgenic like effects of PCBs.