Figure 2.
Proposed model of the effects of developmental POP exposure on synapse remodeling. Morphological and electrophysiological data suggest that developmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) impairs several parameters of synapse formation, including AMPA and NMDA receptor expression, Ca2+ signaling, thyroid hormone, excitation/inhibition balance, and synaptic activity. While not yet directly tested, these alterations may decrease neuronal activity and destabilize synapses. Over time, neurons may compensate for this by increasing dendritic growth and spine formation in an attempt to restore synaptic stability and function. As a result, altered dendritic and spine structures following developmental POP exposure may predispose children to neurodevelopmental disorders.