Location: Food Animal Metabolism Research
Project Number: 3060-32420-003-023-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2026
End Date: Apr 30, 2027
Objective:
1) Determine the absorption, distribution and transfer of a defined mix of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in tissues, fluids, and waste of pregnant ewes and fetuses. 2) Tissue distribution and fetal transfer across the placenta will be determined. 3) Differences in physiologic parameters will be studied to determine if exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances have any effects.
Approach:
Gestating ewes (n=12 exposed, n=12 control; 28 d gestation) will have a continuous exposure period to a suite of PFAS compounds for the duration of the study (105 d), with mid gestation and late gestation being the targeted periods of fetal development during PFAS exposure. The study will employ an exposure period of 15 weeks, with blood collections periodically over the exposure period and ewe and fetal tissue collections occurring at 4, 9, and 15 weeks of PFAS exposure. PFAS analysis will be conducted in blood and tissues of ewes and fetuses to determine PFAS concentrations, absorption time, tissue distribution, and excretion of PFAS compounds. Physiological parameters will be tested and compared against a control group of sheep to determine if there are differences between the exposed group and control, including gene expression focused on major organs (maternal liver, placenta, and fetal liver) related to metabolic function and maternal transfer to developing fetus.