The effect of butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene on behavioral development of mice

Abstract

Abstract The chronic ingestion of .5% butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) by pregnant mice and their offspring resulted in a variety of behavioral changes. Compared to controls, BHA‐treated offspring showed increased exploration, decreased sleeping, decreased self‐grooming, slower learning, and a decreased orientation reflex. BHT‐treated offspring showed decreased sleeping, increased social and isolation‐induced aggression, and a severe deficit in learning.