Children's Health Defense Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics — fragments thousands of times smaller than a grain of sand — can slip into brain cells through an unusual “side door,” then release hormones in a precise rhythm throughout life. The tiny pieces of plastic are widely found in food, water and air.
By Pamela Ferdinand
Tiny pieces of plastic, widely found in food, water and air, can harm the development and function of specialized brain cells that regulate reproduction, new research reports.
These cells, called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, act like main switches for puberty and fertility. During early development, they must travel to the right place in the brain and then release hormones in a precise rhythm throughout life.
However, in a study recently published in the journal Small, researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics — fragments thousands of times smaller than a grain of sand — were able to slip into these cells through an unusual “side door.”
Once inside, the particles reduced hormone levels, slowed cell movement, and altered genes required for reproductive health. The particles also accumulated in the GnRH neurons, increasing the potential for long-term effects, the authors said.
The findings add to growing concerns that common environmental contaminants, including plastic particles and their additives, may be toxic to reproductive health in females and males.
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