Developmental neurotoxicity of atrazine: decreased synaptic spine density and miRNA-driven GluN2A downregulation in primary hippocampal neurons - Report - MDSpire

Developmental neurotoxicity of atrazine: decreased synaptic spine density and miRNA-driven GluN2A downregulation in primary hippocampal neurons

  • By

  • Melania Maria Serafini

  • Agnese Graziosi

  • Miriam Midali

  • Luca Ghelli

  • Giacomo Grumelli

  • Giulia Sita

  • Emanuela Corsini

  • Marina Marinovich

  • Fabiana Morroni

  • Barbara Viviani

  • July 14, 2026

Share

Neurotoxic Effects of Atrazine on Development: Reduced Synaptic Spine Density

Overview

This study investigates the neurotoxic effects of atrazine (ATZ) on primary hippocampal neurons, showing reduced synaptic spine density and downregulation of GluN2A via microRNA pathways.

Background

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide with persistent environmental contamination. It can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, affecting developing neural systems.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Atrazine exposure reduces synaptic spine density in primary hippocampal neurons.
  • MicroRNA pathways are implicated in the downregulation of GluN2A following atrazine exposure.
  • Atrazine may interfere with glutamatergic signaling.
  • Chronic exposure to atrazine has been associated with cognitive deficits in offspring.
  • Atrazine metabolites exhibit a toxicological profile similar to the parent compound.

Clinical Implications

Atrazine exposure during critical developmental periods may disrupt synaptic formation and function.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence of atrazine's neurotoxic effects on hippocampal neurons.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Atwood and Paisley-Jones, Archives of Toxicology, 2017 -- Atrazine Overview
  2. Sass and Colangelo, Archives of Toxicology, 2006 -- Environmental Concerns
  3. WHO, Guidelines for drinking-water quality, 2026 -- Atrazine Guidelines
  4. EPA, National Primary Drinking Water Regulations -- Atrazine
  5. IARC, Volume 140, 2025 -- Carcinogenic Hazards of Atrazine
  6. Archives of Toxicology — Effects of Prenatal Bisphenol A Exposure on Neuronal Structure in the Hippocampal CA1 Region of Developing and Aged Mice
  7. Archives of Toxicology — Neurotoxic Impact of Valproic Acid and Its Nine Analogues on Zebrafish Embryos: Insights into Fish-Mouse Comparisons?
  8. Atrazine | US EPA
  9. Pesticides and neurodevelopment of children in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review - PMC
  10. Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first, second and third addenda
  11. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations | US EPA
  12. Volume 140: Atrazine, alachlor, and vinclozolin – IARC Monographs on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans
  13. Endocrine toxicity of atrazine and its underlying mechanisms - PubMed
  14. Atrazine induces Alzheimer's disease-like neurotoxicity by targeting SDHB and disrupting synaptic function: An integrated bioinformatic and in vivo study - ScienceDirect

Original Source(s)

Developmental neurotoxicity of atrazine: decreased synaptic spine density and miRNA-driven GluN2A downregulation in primary hippocampal neurons

  • by Melania Maria Serafini, Agnese Graziosi, Miriam Midali, Luca Ghelli, Giacomo Grumelli, Giulia Sita, Emanuela Corsini, Marina Marinovich, Fabiana Morroni, Barbara Viviani

  • July 14, 2026

Related Content

Skeleton-based rehabilitation movement quality classification: a leakage-controlled benchmark on IntelliRehabDS

Stroke Audit Finds Long CT-to-CTA Times

A regional UK audit found wide variation in imaging intervals among patients referred for mechanical thrombectomy and identified potentially modifiable barriers to timely vascular imaging.

Multi-layer brain-mimicking phantom for replicating dura and pia membrane dimpling and rupture properties during neural interface implantation