Behavioral endpoints in adult and developmental neurotoxicity: the case of organophosphate pesticides

Abstract In this chapter we aim to present an overall approach to how environmental chemicals modify brain function, with special focus on developmental exposures, sex differences, and behavioral endpoints. This chapter introduces the concept of neurotoxins and the mechanisms by which in utero and postnatal exposure can affect neural development. We also give an overview of the impact of neurodevelopmental exposures on behavioral endpoints at different periods of life. We discuss the impact of organophosphate pesticides in the developing brain with a special focus on neurobehavioral deficits and its molecular insights. Finally, we provide an overview on recent perspectives on central nervous system-dependent behavioral and body function and organophosphate pesticide exposure.