Role of Alpha-Pinene in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorders
School Name
Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Physiology and Health
Presentation Type
Mentored
Oral Presentation Award
2nd Place
Written Paper Award
2nd Place
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with broad ranges of symptoms depending on the person affected. Theses symptoms effect the child’s mental development, communication, and social skills. A direct cause for ASD has not yet been discovered, but it is suspected that environmental and genetic factors may make adolescents, especially males, more susceptible to expressing ASD. Previous studies have shown that exposure to environmental chemicals such as fragrances result in lack of neuronal and brain development in children. In this research, the effects of α-Pinene, a chemical found in perfumes and colognes, were tested in neuronal cell lines to check for morphological changes. Two neuroblastoma cell lines, one derived from a male (CRL–2267) and the other, a female (CRL–2266), were treated with various concentrations of α-Pinene (15.6 ng/mL–62.5 ng/mL) along with the negative control for 48 hours. The cells were then stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HandE) and observed under an Olympus IX71 light microscope for morphological changes. The results indicated that at 62.5 ng/mL, the male and female cell lines showed significant syncytia formation and axonal thinning. These effects could also be seen in the 15.6 ng/mL but became more evident in the 33.3 ng/mL. In the 62.5 ng/mL, many neurons underwent apoptosis, resulting in a lack of information. Preliminary results indicate α-Pinene might have detrimental effects on neuronal cell lines. This research is part of a bigger project to raise awareness of how fragrances may contribute to ASD.
Recommended Citation
Aduma, Kelvin, "Role of Alpha-Pinene in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorders" (2018). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 77.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2018/all/77
Location
Neville 322
Start Date
4-14-2018 9:30 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Role of Alpha-Pinene in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Neville 322
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with broad ranges of symptoms depending on the person affected. Theses symptoms effect the child’s mental development, communication, and social skills. A direct cause for ASD has not yet been discovered, but it is suspected that environmental and genetic factors may make adolescents, especially males, more susceptible to expressing ASD. Previous studies have shown that exposure to environmental chemicals such as fragrances result in lack of neuronal and brain development in children. In this research, the effects of α-Pinene, a chemical found in perfumes and colognes, were tested in neuronal cell lines to check for morphological changes. Two neuroblastoma cell lines, one derived from a male (CRL–2267) and the other, a female (CRL–2266), were treated with various concentrations of α-Pinene (15.6 ng/mL–62.5 ng/mL) along with the negative control for 48 hours. The cells were then stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HandE) and observed under an Olympus IX71 light microscope for morphological changes. The results indicated that at 62.5 ng/mL, the male and female cell lines showed significant syncytia formation and axonal thinning. These effects could also be seen in the 15.6 ng/mL but became more evident in the 33.3 ng/mL. In the 62.5 ng/mL, many neurons underwent apoptosis, resulting in a lack of information. Preliminary results indicate α-Pinene might have detrimental effects on neuronal cell lines. This research is part of a bigger project to raise awareness of how fragrances may contribute to ASD.
