Ashton Trawinski
Advisors: Dr. Peter Fong and Dr. Stephen Siviy

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical that has been used in the production of numerous polycarbonates and epoxy resins for more than fifty years. Endocrine disrupting chemicals can lead to changes in brain function and behavior when exposure occurs during critical development periods. The estrogenic effects of BPA have been well studied and it has recently been suggested to have anti-androgenic properties as well. In male rats, age related changes in play behavior are organized by androgens. This study examines the effect perinatal BPA exposure on play behavior in male rats. Due to its possible anti-androgenic properties, exposure to BPA during a critical perinatal period could alter the organization of play behavior, specifically feminizing male play behavior. Male Wistar rats were treated from postnatal day 2 to 6 with 100µg/kg/day of BPA, 50mg/kg/day of the pharmacological anti-androgen flutamide or a corn oil/ETOH vehicle. Female Wistar rats were treated with a corn oil/ETOH vehicle. Exposure to BPA and flutamide significantly altered the normal male typical changes in play behavior observed at puberty. Adult male rats treated with BPA showed a feminized pattern of play behavior. BPA marginally altered play suppression after exposure to a predatory odor. Female rats and BPA treated rats showed increased play suppression twenty four hours after exposure to cat odor. This study suggests that BPA has both estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic action. It points to the need for further research and concern due to negative effects seen in low dose, limited exposure studies.