Benzophenone-3 passes through the blood-brain barrier, increases the level of extracellular glutamate and induces apoptotic processes in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats.BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
 Benzophenone-3 is the most commonly used UV filter.  It is well absorbed through the skin and gastrointestinal tract.  Its best-known side effect is the impact on the function of sex hormones.  Little is known about the influence of BP-3 on the brain.The aim of this study was to show whether BP-3 crosses the blood-brain barrier, determine whether it induces nerve cell damage in susceptible brain structures and identify the mechanism of its action in the CNS.


 EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
 BP-3 effect on short-term and spatial memory was determined by novel object and novel location recognition tests.  BP-3 concentrations was assayed in the brain and peripheral tissues.  In brain structures, selected markers of brain damage were measured.


 BP-3 raised oxidative stress and induced apoptosis in the brain.  BP-3 increased the concentration of extracellular glutamate in examined brain structures and changed the expression of glutamate transporters.  BP-3 had no effect on short-term memory but impaired spatial memory.


 CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
 The present study showed that dermal BP-3 exposure may cause damage to neurons what might be associated with the increase in the level of extracellular glutamate, most likely evoked by changes in the expression of GLT-1 and xCT glutamate transporters.  Thus, exposure to BP-3 may be one of the causes that increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
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