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Pinheiro EF, Cardoso PB, Luz WL, Assad N, Santos-Silva M, Leão LKR, de Moraes SAS, Passos ADC, de Jesus Oliveira Batista E, Oliveira KRHM, Gouveia A, Herculano AM. Putative Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 Prevents Brain Oxidative Stress and Inhibits Aggressive-Like Behavior in Zebrafish. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024; 9:65-73. [PMID: 36576997 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aggression is a set of complex behaviors commonly described in different neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, autistim spectrum disorder, and anxiety. Previous studies have described that some changes in the redox status of the brain are closely associated with aggressive behavior in different species. In addition, the endocannabinoid system acts as a neuromodulator of the central nervous system, however, its participation in aggressive behavior needs to be elucidated. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is an important model in the study of aggression, in this context, the present study investigated whether the activation of type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1r) alters the cerebral redox state and aggressive behavior in zebrafish. Materials and Methods: We performed pharmacological manipulations with the CB1r agonist (ACEA) and antagonist (AM-251) to assess the role of this receptor in aggressive behavior. Individuals were isolated in pairs, without physical contact for 24 h, treated with the drugs of interest, and after 30 minutes of pharmacokinetics, the fights were filmed for 30 min, and the individuals were identified as dominant or subordinate. Results: A consistent decrease in the strike and bite aggressive behavior was observed in the group treated with the ACEA agonist compared with that in the control and AM-251 groups. When evaluating the cerebral redox state, we observed that treatment with the ACEA agonist reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the levels of sulfhydryl groups compared with those in the control group. These results indicate that the activation of CB1r by the ACEA agonist inhibited aggressiveness and attenuated the levels of oxidative stress in both subjects (dominant or subordinate) in the treated group. Conclusion: Thus, we suggest that zebrafish is an alternative model to study common aggressive behavior disorders among species and that CB1r represent a potential target for the development of treatments for aggressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Feio Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Patrick Bruno Cardoso
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Waldo Lucas Luz
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nadyme Assad
- Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateus Santos-Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luana Ketlen Reis Leão
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Adelaide da Conceição Passos
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Evander de Jesus Oliveira Batista
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Amauri Gouveia
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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2
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Gallas-Lopes M, Benvenutti R, Donzelli NIZ, Marcon M. A systematic review of the impact of environmental enrichment in zebrafish. Lab Anim (NY) 2023; 52:332-343. [PMID: 38017181 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-023-01288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) consists of a series of interventions carried out in the home environment to promote greater exposure to sensory stimuli and mimic the natural habitat of laboratory-housed animals, providing environments closer to those found in nature. Some studies have shown the positive effects of EE in zebrafish housed in a laboratory environment. However, this evidence is still recent and accompanied by contradictory results. Furthermore, there is great variability in the protocols applied and in the conditions of the tests, tanks and materials used to generate an enriched environment. This substantial variability can bring many uncertainties to the development of future studies and hinder the reproducibility and replicability of research. Here, in this context, we carried out a systematic review of the literature, aiming to provide an overview of the EE protocols used in zebrafish research. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science and the studies were selected on the basis of predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 901 articles were identified in the databases, and 27 of those studies were included in this review. We conducted data extraction and risk-of-bias analysis in the included studies. Among these studies, the effect of EE was evaluated in two different ways: (1) for animal welfare and (2) as an intervention to prevent behavioral, biochemical, molecular, developmental and breeding dysfunctions. Although the EE protocols in zebrafish presented a series of experimental differences, the results showed that the benefits of the EE for zebrafish were consistent. According to the results described here, the use of EE in the zebrafish home tank improves welfare and may reduce sources of bias in scientific research. However, it is still necessary to develop standardized protocols to improve the application of EE in scientific studies using zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nayne I Z Donzelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
- Laboratório de Zebrafish (ZebLab), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Matheus Marcon
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Zebrafish (ZebLab), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
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3
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Clements KN, Ahn S, Park C, Heagy FK, Miller TH, Kassai M, Issa FA. Socially Mediated Shift in Neural Circuits Activation Regulated by Synergistic Neuromodulatory Signaling. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0311-23.2023. [PMID: 37914408 PMCID: PMC10683552 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0311-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals exhibit context-dependent behavioral decisions that are mediated by specific motor circuits. In social species these decisions are often influenced by social status. Although social status-dependent neural plasticity of motor circuits has been investigated in vertebrates, little is known of how cellular plasticity translates into differences in motor activity. Here, we used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism to examine how social dominance influences the activation of swimming and the Mauthner-mediated startle escape behaviors. We show that the status-dependent shift in behavior patterns whereby dominants increase swimming and reduce sensitivity of startle escape while subordinates reduce their swimming and increase startle sensitivity is regulated by the synergistic interactions of dopaminergic, glycinergic, and GABAergic inputs to shift the balance of activation of the underlying motor circuits. This shift is driven by socially induced differences in expression of dopaminergic receptor type 1b (Drd1b) on glycinergic neurons and dopamine (DA) reuptake transporter (DAT). Second, we show that GABAergic input onto glycinergic neurons is strengthened in subordinates compared with dominants. Complementary neurocomputational modeling of the empirical results show that drd1b functions as molecular regulator to facilitate the shift between excitatory and inhibitory pathways. The results illustrate how reconfiguration in network dynamics serves as an adaptive strategy to cope with changes in social environment and are likely conserved and applicable to other social species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie N Clements
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Sungwoo Ahn
- Department of Mathematics, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Choongseok Park
- Department of Mathematics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411
| | - Faith K Heagy
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Thomas H Miller
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
| | - Fadi A Issa
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858
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4
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Lai NHY, Mohd Zahir IA, Liew AKY, Ogawa S, Parhar I, Soga T. Teleosts as behaviour test models for social stress. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1205175. [PMID: 37744951 PMCID: PMC10512554 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1205175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is an important aspect of our everyday life and exposure to it is an unavoidable occurrence. In humans, this can come in the form of social stress or physical stress from an injury. Studies in animal models have helped researchers to understand the body's adaptive response to stress in human. Notably, the use of behavioural tests in animal models plays a pivotal role in understanding the neural, endocrine and behavioural changes induced by social stress. Under socially stressed conditions, behavioural parameters are often measured physiological and molecular parameters as changes in behaviour are direct responses to stress and are easily assessed by behavioural tests. Throughout the past few decades, the rodent model has been used as a well-established animal model for stress and behavioural changes. Recently, more attention has been drawn towards using fish as an animal model. Common fish models such as zebrafish, medaka, and African cichlids have the advantage of a higher rate of reproduction, easier handling techniques, sociability and most importantly, share evolutionary conserved genetic make-up, neural circuitry, neuropeptide molecular structure and function with mammalian species. In fact, some fish species exhibit a clear diurnal or seasonal rhythmicity in their stress response, similar to humans, as opposed to rodents. Various social stress models have been established in fish including but not limited to chronic social defeat stress, social stress avoidance, and social stress-related decision-making. The huge variety of behavioural patterns in teleost also aids in the study of more behavioural phenotypes than the mammalian species. In this review, we focus on the use of fish models as alternative models to study the effects of stress on different types of behaviours. Finally, fish behavioural tests against the typical mammalian model-based behavioural test are compared and discussed for their viability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tomoko Soga
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
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5
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Kareklas K, Teles MC, Nunes AR, Oliveira RF. Social zebrafish: Danio rerio as an emerging model in social neuroendocrinology. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13280. [PMID: 37165563 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The fitness benefits of social life depend on the ability of animals to affiliate with others and form groups, on dominance hierarchies within groups that determine resource distribution, and on cognitive capacities for recognition, learning and information transfer. The evolution of these phenotypes is coupled with that of neuroendocrine mechanisms, but the causal link between the two remains underexplored. Growing evidence from our research group and others demonstrates that the tools available in zebrafish, Danio rerio, can markedly facilitate progress in this field. Here, we review this evidence and provide a synthesis of the state-of-the-art in this model system. We discuss the involvement of generalized motivation and cognitive components, neuroplasticity and functional connectivity across social decision-making brain areas, and how these are modulated chiefly by the oxytocin-vasopressin neuroendocrine system, but also by reward-pathway monoamine signaling and the effects of sex-hormones and stress physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magda C Teles
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Rui F Oliveira
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Vasconcelos RO, Gordillo-Martinez F, Ramos A, Lau IH. Effects of Noise Exposure and Ageing on Anxiety and Social Behaviour in Zebrafish. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1165. [PMID: 37759565 PMCID: PMC10525370 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Noise pollution is creating a wide range of health problems related to physiological stress and anxiety that impact the social life of vertebrates, including humans. Ageing is known to be associated with changes in susceptibility to acoustic stimuli; however, the interaction between noise effects and senescence is not well understood. We tested the effects of 24 h continuous white noise (150 dB re 1 Pa) on both young adults and old zebrafish in terms of anxiety (novel tank diving test), social interactions (with mirror/conspecific attraction), and shoaling behaviour. Both noise and ageing induced higher anxiety responses in a novel environment. Since the old zebrafish showed longer bottom dwelling, acoustic treatment induced the opposite pattern with an initial increase in vertical exploration in the aged individuals. Both noise- and age-related anxiety responses were lowered when individuals were tested within a group. Regarding social interactions, both noise and ageing seemed to cause an increase in their proximity to a mirror. Although the results were not statistically significant, noise exposure seemed to further enhance conspecific attraction. Moreover, the interindividual distance within a shoal decreased with noise treatment in the aged individuals. This study is a first attempt to investigate the effects of both noise and ageing on zebrafish behaviour, suggesting the age-dependent physiological coping mechanisms associated with environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel O. Vasconcelos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET—Aquatic Research Network, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- EPCV–Department of Life Sciences, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Andreia Ramos
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China
| | - Ieng Hou Lau
- Institute of Science and Environment, University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China
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7
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Scott E, Brewer MS, Peralta AL, Issa FA. The Effects of Social Experience on Host Gut Microbiome in Male Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2023; 244:177-189. [PMID: 38457676 DOI: 10.1086/729377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
AbstractAlthough the gut and the brain vastly differ in physiological function, they have been interlinked in a variety of different neurological and behavioral disorders. The bacteria that comprise the gut microbiome communicate and influence the function of various physiological processes within the body, including nervous system function. However, the effects of social experience in the context of dominance and social stress on gut microbiome remain poorly understood. Here, we examined whether social experience impacts the host zebrafish (Danio rerio) gut microbiome. We studied how social dominance during the first 2 weeks of social interactions changed the composition of zebrafish gut microbiome by comparing gut bacterial composition, diversity, and relative abundance between socially dominant, submissive, social isolates and control group-housed communal fish. Using amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we report that social dominance significantly affects host gut bacterial community composition but not bacterial diversity. At the genus level, Aeromonas and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae relative abundance decreased in dominant individuals while commensal bacteria (e.g., Exiguobacterium and Cetobacterium) increased in relative abundance. Conversely, the relative abundance of Psychrobacter and Acinetobacter was increased in subordinates, isolates, and communal fish compared to dominant fish. The shift in commensal and pathogenic bacteria highlights the impact of social experience and the accompanying stress on gut microbiome, with potentially similar effects in other social organisms.
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8
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Xiang J, Guo RY, Wang T, Zhang N, Chen XR, Li EC, Zhang JL. Brain metabolite profiles provide insight into mechanisms for behavior sexual dimorphisms in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Physiol Behav 2023; 263:114132. [PMID: 36801416 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has historically been a useful model for research in genetics, ecology, biology, toxicology, and neurobehavior. Zebrafish have been demonstrated to have brain sexual dimorphism. However, the sexual dimorphism of zebrafish behavior demands our attention, particularly. To evaluate the behavior and brain sexual dimorphisms in zebrafish, this study assessed sex differences in adult D. rerio in four behavioral domains, including aggression, fear, anxiety, and shoaling, and further compared with metabolites in the brain tissue of females and males. Our findings showed that aggression, fear, anxiety and shoaling behaviors were significantly sexually dimorphic. Interestingly, we also show through a novel data analysis method, that the female zebrafish exhibited significantly increased shoaling behavior when shoaled with male zebrafish groups and, for the first time, we offer evidence that male shoals are beneficial in dramatically alleviating anxiety in zebrafish. In addition, there were significant changes in metabolites in zebrafish brain tissue between the sexes. Furthermore, zebrafish behavioral sexual dimorphism may be associated with brain sexual dimorphism, with significant differences in brain metabolites. Therefore, to prevent the influence or even bias of behavioral sex differences on results, it is suggested that behavioral studies or behavioral-based other relevant investigations consider sexual dimorphism of behavior and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Rui-Ying Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xian-Rui Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Er-Chao Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ji-Liang Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan, China.
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Li H, Wang J, Zhang X, Hu Y, Liu Y, Ma Z. Comparing behavioral performance and physiological responses of Sebastes schlegelii with different aggressiveness. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:1333-1347. [PMID: 36103021 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-022-01123-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In fish, aggression has significant individual differences, and different personalities exhibit distinct behavioral performances and physiological stress responses. Under intensive culture conditions, Sebastes schlegelii juveniles display severe aggression and cannibalism, causing damage to fish welfare and economic loss. Herein, we investigated the alterations in behavioral performance and physiological stress indicators of Sebastes schlegelii juveniles with different aggressiveness. The results revealed that latency to the first movement, distance to center point, mobile frequency, and immobile frequency were significantly lower in high-aggressive individuals than low-aggressive individuals. In contrast, the immobile time was significantly higher in high-aggressive individuals compared to low-aggressive individuals. PCA was performed to identify the key parameters of fish behavior. From the results of PCA, position, motion state, and physical status could be used as behavioral screening indicators for individuals with different aggressiveness. The 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio was significantly lower in high-aggressive individuals than in low-aggressive individuals. Moreover, cortisol levels were positively correlated with immobile time, and the ratio of 5-HIAA/5-HT was significantly and positively correlated with the distance to the central point. These results suggested that individuals with different aggressiveness can be effectively distinguished in a short period of time according to behavioral factors such as position, motion state, and physical status. For a single measure, the distance to center point associated with brain monoaminergic activity may be a more direct factor. The results could be a non-invasive method to measure fish aggression and fish welfare, and then build on to improve fish welfare and enhance aquaculture management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- College of Marine Science and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Marine Science and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Marine Science and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yu Hu
- College of Marine Science and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen Ma
- College of Marine Science and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China.
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10
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Velkey AJ, Koon CH, Danstrom IA, Wiens KM. Female zebrafish (Danio rerio) demonstrate stronger preference for established shoals over newly-formed shoals in the three-tank open-swim preference test. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265703. [PMID: 36129935 PMCID: PMC9491588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) share a considerable amount of biological similarity with mammals, including identical or homologous gene expression pathways, neurotransmitters, hormones, and cellular receptors. Zebrafish also display complex social behaviors like shoaling and schooling, making them an attractive model for investigating normal social behavior as well as exploring impaired social function conditions such as autism spectrum disorders. Newly-formed and established shoals exhibit distinct behavior patterns and inter-member interactions that can convey the group’s social stability. We used a three-chamber open-swim preference test to determine whether individual zebrafish show a preference for an established shoal over a newly-formed shoal. Results indicated that both sexes maintained greater proximity to arena zones nearest to the established shoal stimulus. In addition, we report the novel application of Shannon entropy to discover sex differences in systematicity of responses not revealed by unit-based measurements; male subjects spent more time investigating between the two shoals than female subjects. This novel technique using established versus newly-formed shoals can be used in future studies testing transgenics and pharmacological treatments that mimic autism spectrum disorder and other disorders that affect social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Velkey
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Caroline H. Koon
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, United States of America
| | - Isabel A. Danstrom
- Neuroscience Program, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, United States of America
| | - Katie M. Wiens
- Science Department, Bay Path University, Longmeadow, MA, United States of America
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11
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Hu Y, Liu Y, Zhou C, Li H, Fan J, Ma Z. Effects of food quantity on aggression and monoamine levels of juvenile pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:1983-1993. [PMID: 34674076 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01026-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is important for animals to obtain limited resources. Understanding fish behavior and physiological response is of great significance to evaluate aquaculture production and fish welfare. Food is an important trigger of aggressive behavior in juvenile fish under high-density aquaculture conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the aggressive behavior and monoamine levels of juvenile pufferfish (mean body mass of 6.29 ± 0.33 g) under normal feeding and restricted feeding. Our main results included the following: (1) The mortality and fin damage were higher and aggression was more intense of juvenile pufferfish at the 1% ration than those of the 3% ration; (2) during feeding, the velocity, body contact, and activity at the 1% ration were significantly higher than that of the 3% ration; (3) the concentrations of brain 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) at the 1% ration were significantly lower, and dopamine (DA) concentrations were significantly higher. These results suggest that juvenile pufferfish shows serious aggressive behavior at the low ration, which may be related to the decrease of 5-HIAA and MAOA concentrations, and the increase of DA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture (Dalian Ocean University) Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture (Dalian Ocean University) Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266200, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture (Dalian Ocean University) Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Haixia Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture (Dalian Ocean University) Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jize Fan
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture (Dalian Ocean University) Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China
- Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266200, China
| | - Zhen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture (Dalian Ocean University) Ministry of Education, Dalian, 116023, China.
- College of Marine Technology and Environment, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
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12
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Pandolfi M, Scaia MF, Fernandez MP. Sexual Dimorphism in Aggression: Sex-Specific Fighting Strategies Across Species. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:659615. [PMID: 34262439 PMCID: PMC8273308 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.659615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is thought to have evolved as a strategy for gaining access to resources such as territory, food, and potential mates. Across species, secondary sexual characteristics such as competitive aggression and territoriality are considered male-specific behaviors. However, although female–female aggression is often a behavior that is displayed almost exclusively to protect the offspring, multiple examples of female–female competitive aggression have been reported in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Moreover, cases of intersexual aggression have been observed in a variety of species. Genetically tractable model systems such as mice, zebrafish, and fruit flies have proven extremely valuable for studying the underlying neuronal circuitry and the genetic architecture of aggressive behavior under laboratory conditions. However, most studies lack ethological or ecological perspectives and the behavioral patterns available are limited. The goal of this review is to discuss each of these forms of aggression, male intrasexual aggression, intersexual aggression and female intrasexual aggression in the context of the most common genetic animal models and discuss examples of these behaviors in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Pandolfi
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Scaia
- Department of Biodiversity and Experimental Biology, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Paz Fernandez
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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13
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Brain transcriptomics of agonistic behaviour in the weakly electric fish Gymnotus omarorum, a wild teleost model of non-breeding aggression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9496. [PMID: 32528029 PMCID: PMC7289790 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66494-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in social status are often mediated by agonistic encounters between competitors. Robust literature has examined social status-dependent brain gene expression profiles across vertebrates, yet social status and reproductive state are often confounded. It has therefore been challenging to identify the neuromolecular mechanisms underlying social status independent of reproductive state. Weakly electric fish, Gymnotus omarorum, display territorial aggression and social dominance independent of reproductive state. We use wild-derived G. omarorum males to conduct a transcriptomic analysis of non-breeding social dominance relationships. After allowing paired rivals to establish a dominance hierarchy, we profiled the transcriptomes of brain sections containing the preoptic area (region involved in regulating aggressive behaviour) in dominant and subordinate individuals. We identified 16 differentially expressed genes (FDR < 0.05) and numerous genes that co-varied with behavioural traits. We also compared our results with previous reports of differential gene expression in other teleost species. Overall, our study establishes G. omarorum as a powerful model system for understanding the neuromolecular bases of social status independent of reproductive state.
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14
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Krueger LD, Thurston SE, Kirk J, Elsaeidi F, Freeman ZT, Goldman D, Lofgren JL, Keller JM. Enrichment Preferences of Singly Housed Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020; 59:148-155. [PMID: 32024580 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Despite the increasing popularity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model, the environmental enrichment preferences of this species have been largely unexplored. We sought to determine the preferences of mature female zebrafish that were singly housed with or without access to one of 10 inanimate forms of enrichment. As a marker of preference, in-tank fish location was observed by video recording. All subjects showed a preference for the front of the tank when caretakers entered the room, demonstrating an effect of human presence on tank location. Among the 10 enrichment items tested, subjects showed the strongest preference for mirrored paper on the side of the tank when compared with the barren half of the tank. Fish also were observed interacting with PVC pipe, marbles, and tulle. Given the preference for enrichment imitating social interaction, we conducted a second study to assess the value of visual exposure of conspecifics in adjacent tanks. The experimental zebrafish were then provided one of 3 conditions-a singly housed neighbor fish, group-housed neighbor fish, or no neighbor fish. All zebrafish housed next to neighboring fish showed a preference to be on the side of the tank nearer to the other fish. Overall, our data indicate that singly housed zebrafish prefer enrichment items that resemble or promote social behaviors. Therefore items such as mirrored paper or housing next to conspecifics should be strongly considered as enrichment strategies for singly housed zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D Krueger
- Refinement Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan;,
| | - Sarah E Thurston
- Refinement Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Joshua Kirk
- Refinement Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Fairouz Elsaeidi
- Pediatrics-Neurology, Duncan Neurologic Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Zachary T Freeman
- Refinement Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Daniel Goldman
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jennifer L Lofgren
- Refinement Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jill M Keller
- Refinement Enrichment Advancements Laboratory, Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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15
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Abreu MS, Maximino C, Banha F, Anastácio PM, Demin KA, Kalueff AV, Soares MC. Emotional behavior in aquatic organisms? Lessons from crayfish and zebrafish. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:764-779. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S. Abreu
- Bioscience Institute University of Passo Fundo (UPF) Passo Fundo Brazil
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) Slidell LA USA
| | - Caio Maximino
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) Slidell LA USA
- Institute of Health and Biological Studies Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, Unidade III Marabá Brazil
| | - Filipe Banha
- Department of Landscape, Environment and Planning MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre University of Évora Évora Portugal
| | - Pedro M. Anastácio
- Department of Landscape, Environment and Planning MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre University of Évora Évora Portugal
| | - Konstantin A. Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine Almazov National Medical Research Center Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation St. Petersburg Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine St. Petersburg State University St. Petersburg Russia
| | - Allan V. Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy Southwest University Chongqing China
- Ural Federal University Ekaterinburg Russia
| | - Marta C. Soares
- CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources University of Porto Porto Portugal
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16
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Fontana BD, Cleal M, Parker MO. Female adult zebrafish (
Danio rerio
) show higher levels of anxiety‐like behavior than males, but do not differ in learning and memory capacity. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2604-2613. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D. Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
| | - Madeleine Cleal
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
| | - Matthew O. Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences University of Portsmouth Portsmouth UK
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) Slidell LA USA
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17
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Geng Y, Peterson RT. The zebrafish subcortical social brain as a model for studying social behavior disorders. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm039446. [PMID: 31413047 PMCID: PMC6737945 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behaviors are essential for the survival and reproduction of social species. Many, if not most, neuropsychiatric disorders in humans are either associated with underlying social deficits or are accompanied by social dysfunctions. Traditionally, rodent models have been used to model these behavioral impairments. However, rodent assays are often difficult to scale up and adapt to high-throughput formats, which severely limits their use for systems-level science. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model system to study social behavior. These studies have demonstrated clear potential in overcoming some of the limitations of rodent models. In this Review, we explore the evolutionary conservation of a subcortical social brain between teleosts and mammals as the biological basis for using zebrafish to model human social behavior disorders, while summarizing relevant experimental tools and assays. We then discuss the recent advances gleaned from zebrafish social behavior assays, the applications of these assays to studying related disorders, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Geng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 30 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 30 S. 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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18
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Zabegalov KN, Kolesnikova TO, Khatsko SL, Volgin AD, Yakovlev OA, Amstislavskaya TG, Friend AJ, Bao W, Alekseeva PA, Lakstygal AM, Meshalkina DA, Demin KA, de Abreu MS, Rosemberg DB, Kalueff AV. Understanding zebrafish aggressive behavior. Behav Processes 2019; 158:200-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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19
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Screening for drugs to reduce aggression in zebrafish. Neuropharmacology 2018; 156:107394. [PMID: 30336150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a common symptom of several human psychiatric disorders. However, the drugs available to treat aggression are non-specific and can have unwanted side effects. The zebrafish is an ideal model for behavioural pharmacology. They are small, aggression can be measured reliably, and drugs can be applied by immersion in the tank water. The ability to visualise and manipulate circuits in the intact brain represents an excellent opportunity to understand how chemical compounds modify the signalling pathways that control this behaviour. This review discusses protocols to measure zebrafish aggression, the neural circuits that control this behaviour and how pharmacological studies can inform us about environmental toxicology and the development of therapeutic drugs for humans. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
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20
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Clements KN, Miller TH, Keever JM, Hall AM, Issa FA. Social Status-Related Differences in Motor Activity Between Wild-Type and Mutant Zebrafish. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2018; 235:71-82. [PMID: 30358446 DOI: 10.1086/699514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Use of zebrafish as a model organism in biomedical research has led to the generation of many genetically modified mutant lines to investigate various aspects of developmental and cellular processes. However, the broader effects of the underlying mutations on social and motor behavior remain poorly examined. Here, we compared the dynamics of social interactions in the Tüpfel long-fin nacre mutant line, which lacks skin pigmentation, to wild-type zebrafish; and we determined whether status-dependent differences in escape and swimming behavior existed within each strain. We show that despite similarities in aggressive activity, Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairs exhibit unstable social relationships characterized by frequent reversals in social dominance compared to wild-type pairs. The lack of strong dominance relationships in Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairs correlates with weak territoriality and overlapping spatial distribution of dominants and subordinates. Conversely, wild-type dominants displayed strong territoriality that severely limited the movement of subordinates. Additionally, the sensitivity of the startle escape response was significantly higher in wild-type subordinates compared to dominants. However, status-related differences in sensitivity of escape response in Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairs were absent. Finally, we present evidence suggesting that these differences could be a consequence of a disruption of proper visual social signals. We show that in wild-type pairs dominants are more conspicuous, and that in wild-type and Tüpfel long-fin nacre pairings wild-type fish are more likely to dominate Tüpfel long-fin nacres. Our results serve as a cautionary note in research design when morphologically engineered zebrafish for color differences are utilized in the study of social behavior and central nervous system function.
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21
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Ketamine modulates aggressive behavior in adult zebrafish. Neurosci Lett 2018; 684:164-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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22
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Quadros VA, Costa FV, Canzian J, Nogueira CW, Rosemberg DB. Modulatory role of conspecific alarm substance on aggression and brain monoamine oxidase activity in two zebrafish populations. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:322-330. [PMID: 29588212 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa A Quadros
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistr and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Fabiano V Costa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistr and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Julia Canzian
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistr and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Cristina W Nogueira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistr and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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23
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Argus: An open-source and flexible software application for automated quantification of behavior during social interaction in adult zebrafish. Behav Res Methods 2018; 51:727-746. [PMID: 30105442 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-018-1083-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish show great potential for behavioral neuroscience. Promising lines of research, however, require the development and validation of software tools that will allow automated and cost-effective behavioral analysis. Building on our previous work with the RealFishTracker (in-house-developed tracking system), we present Argus, a data extraction and analysis tool built in the open-source R language for behavioral researchers without any expertise in R. Argus includes a new, user-friendly, and efficient graphical user interface, instead of a command-line interface, and offers simplicity and flexibility in measuring complex zebrafish behavior through customizable parameters. In this article, we compare Argus with Noldus EthoVision and Noldus The Observer, to validate this new system. All three software applications were originally designed to quantify the behavior of a single subject. We first also performed an analysis of the movement of individual fish and compared the performance of the three software applications. Next we computed and quantified the behavioral variables that characterize dyadic interactions between zebrafish. We found that Argus and EthoVision extract similar absolute values and patterns of changes in these values for several behavioral measures, including speed, freezing, erratic movement, and interindividual distance. In contrast, the manual coding of behavior in The Observer showed weaker correlations with the two tracking methods (EthoVision and Argus). Thus, Argus is a novel, cost-effective, and customizable method for the analysis of adult zebrafish behavior that may be utilized for the behavioral quantification of both single and dyadic interacting subjects, but further sophistication will be needed for the proper identification of complex motor patterns, measures that a human observers can easily detect.
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24
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Ruberto T, Clément RJG, Spinello C, Neri D, Macrì S, Porfiri M. The Tagging Procedure of Visible Implant Elastomers Influences Zebrafish Individual and Social Behavior. Zebrafish 2018; 15:433-444. [PMID: 30070967 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
One commonly used method to preserve individual identity in the study of social behavior of zebrafish is through silicone-based visible implant elastomers (VIEs), which represent a safe and durable tagging procedure. While the effects of VIE tagging on welfare and general health have been addressed in detail, whether this procedure influences social behavior remains unclear. In this study, we compared individual and group behaviors exhibited by shoals composed of three individuals: two nontagged and one (focal subject) that was either nontagged (control condition) or sham-, purple-, blue-, or yellow tagged. Traditional behavioral parameters of activity, shoaling, and schooling (speed, polarization, and interindividual distances), along with an information-theoretic measure of social interaction (transfer entropy), were used to study the effect of tagging. Our findings indicate that tagging procedure per se significantly increased individual speed of the tagged subjects and of the group. The tagging procedure also altered the level of interaction between individuals, measured by transfer entropy. Conversely, tagging procedure did not influence shoaling and schooling tendencies. These findings suggest that VIE tagging may elicit some level of stress, which may affect some behavioral responses more than others. We recommend use of alternative methods such as multitracking systems when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Ruberto
- 1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering , Brooklyn, New York
| | - Romain J G Clément
- 1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering , Brooklyn, New York
| | - Chiara Spinello
- 1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering , Brooklyn, New York
| | - Daniele Neri
- 1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering , Brooklyn, New York
| | - Simone Macrì
- 2 Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Roma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Porfiri
- 1 Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering , Brooklyn, New York
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25
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Soares MC, Gerlai R, Maximino C. The integration of sociality, monoamines and stress neuroendocrinology in fish models: applications in the neurosciences. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:170-191. [PMID: 30043474 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Animal-focused research has been crucial for scientific advancement, but rodents are still taking a starring role. Starting as merely supporting evidence found in rodents, the use of fish models has slowly taken a more central role and expanded its overall contributions in areas such as social sciences, evolution, physiology and recently in translational medical research. In the neurosciences, zebrafish Danio rerio have been widely adopted, contributing to our understanding of the genetic control of brain processes and the effects of pharmacological manipulations. However, discussion continues regarding the paradox of function versus structure, when fishes and mammals are compared and on the potentially evolutionarily conserved nature of behaviour across fish species. From a behavioural standpoint, we explore aversive-stress and social behaviour in selected fish models and refer to the extensive contributions of stress and monoaminergic systems. We suggest that, in spite of marked neuroanatomical differences between fishes and mammals, stress and sociality are conserved at the behavioural and molecular levels. We also suggest that stress and sociality are mediated by monoamines in predictable and non-trivial ways and that monoamines could bridge the relationship between stress and social behaviour. To reconcile the level of divergence with the level of similarity, we need neuroanatomical, pharmacological, behavioural and ecological studies conducted in the laboratory and in nature. These areas need to add to each other to enhance our understanding of fish behaviour and ultimately how this all may lead to better model systems for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Soares
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos - CIBIO, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Caio Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento 'Frederico Guilherme Graeff', Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas - IESB, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, Brazil
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26
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Shams S, Rihel J, Ortiz JG, Gerlai R. The zebrafish as a promising tool for modeling human brain disorders: A review based upon an IBNS Symposium. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:176-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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