Exposure to the herbicide glyphosate leads to inappropriate threat responses and alters gut microbial composition.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exposure to the herbicide glyphosate may contribute to anxiety-related disorders. The mechanisms by which this occurs may involve effects on brain regions or alterations of gut microbiota implicated in emotions. Pre-clinical studies use unusually high doses to which humans may not normally be exposed. The effects of glyphosate on anxiety at doses considered safe are largely unexplored.

Methods

Adult male rats were administered glyphosate at a dose considered safe for 16 weeks. After 4 and 10 weeks, anxiety-like behaviors were tested in the open field and elevated plus maze, respectively. After 14 weeks, rats interacted with a novel neutral object, followed by a naïve rat of the same age and sex as a conspecific. Lastly, after 16 weeks, rats underwent fear conditio

SUBMITTER: Caceres-Chacon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12626795 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature