Effects of Dietary Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics on the Thyroid Gland in Xenopus laevis

Abstract

Plastic manufacturing involves using compounds that could be considered endocrine disruptors. Consequently, concern about the effect of these particles on the hormonal regulation of various systems, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, has been increasing. By applying the Amphibian Metamorphosis Assay (AMA), the effects of irregular polystyrene microplastics (PS) MPs on the thyroid gland of Xenopus laevis were investigated. The histological effects on other organs of tadpoles were also studied. Tadpoles were exposed to 500 and 50 µg of virgin PS MP particles, (200 µm range)/L, administered by diet for 21 days. PS dietary exposure revealed statistically significant effects for the snout to vent length and the whole body length apical endpoints on day 21. The histological survey of both treatment groups revealed no noteworthy effects on the thyroid gland, digestive tract, or kidneys, but slight modifications to the liver. Mild ultrastructural modifications were detected in tadpoles’ enterocytes and hepatocytes in both treatment groups, but were likely to be reversible. Overall, our results contrast with previous research results in which effects were observed, but using different types, concentrations, and numbers of MPs. All this suggests the need for standardized methods for the environmental risk assessment of MPs/NPs (nanoplastics). Concern about the risk of NPs seems to be greater, and more studies with NP particles should be conducted.