Maternal PFBS exposure during gestation and lactation results in cognitive impairment in rat offspring

Emerging evidence links maternal PFBS exposure to cognitive impairment in offspring, yet mechanisms remain unclear. Pregnant SD rats were exposed to PFBS (5, 50, or 500 mg/kg) during gestation and lactation. Offspring underwent behavioral tests at 60 days: Morris Water Maze (MWM) revealed significantly longer escape latencies in the 50 and 500 mg/kg groups (p < 0.05). Open Field Test (OFT) showed reduced central area time, peripheral distance, and total distance in these groups (p < 0.001). Molecular analyses identified dysregulation of BDNF/CREB and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, with qPCR and Western blot confirming decreased PI3K, TRKB, CREB, BDNF, P-AKT/AKT, and P-mTOR/mTOR ratios in the 50 and 500 mg/kg groups. Syn1 and Syp expression was also reduced. These findings suggest that PFBS-induced cognitive deficits involve disrupted synaptic plasticity and signaling pathways.