1
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Fontana BD, Reichmann F, Tilley CA, Lavlou P, Shkumatava A, Alnassar N, Hillman C, Karlsson KÆ, Norton WHJ, Parker MO. adgrl3.1-deficient zebrafish show noradrenaline-mediated externalizing behaviors, and altered expression of externalizing disorder-candidate genes, suggesting functional targets for treatment. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:304. [PMID: 37783687 PMCID: PMC10545713 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02601-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Externalizing disorders (ED) are a cause of concern for public health, and their high heritability makes genetic risk factors a priority for research. Adhesion G-Protein-Coupled Receptor L3 (ADGRL3) is strongly linked to several EDs, and loss-of-function models have shown the impacts of this gene on several core ED-related behaviors. For example, adgrl3.1-/- zebrafish show high levels of hyperactivity. However, our understanding of the mechanisms by which this gene influences behavior is incomplete. Here we characterized, for the first time, externalizing behavioral phenotypes of adgrl3.1-/- zebrafish and found them to be highly impulsive, show risk-taking in a novel environment, have attentional deficits, and show high levels of hyperactivity. All of these phenotypes were rescued by atomoxetine, demonstrating noradrenergic mediation of the externalizing effects of adgrl3.1. Transcriptomic analyses of the brains of adgrl3.1-/- vs. wild-type fish revealed several differentially expressed genes and enriched gene clusters that were independent of noradrenergic manipulation. This suggests new putative functional pathways underlying ED-related behaviors, and potential targets for the treatment of ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D Fontana
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Florian Reichmann
- Division of Pharmacology, Otto Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ceinwen A Tilley
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Perrine Lavlou
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Alena Shkumatava
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Nancy Alnassar
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Courtney Hillman
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Karl Ægir Karlsson
- School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- 3Z, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
- Institute of Biology, Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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2
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Cabana-Domínguez J, Antón-Galindo E, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Singgih EL, O'Leary A, Norton WH, Strekalova T, Schenck A, Reif A, Lesch KP, Slattery D, Cormand B. The translational genetics of ADHD and related phenotypes in model organisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 144:104949. [PMID: 36368527 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104949] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. It is well known that ADHD co-occurs frequently with other psychiatric disorders due, in part, to shared genetics factors. Although many studies have contributed to delineate the genetic landscape of psychiatric disorders, their specific molecular underpinnings are still not fully understood. The use of animal models can help us to understand the role of specific genes and environmental stimuli-induced epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of ADHD and its comorbidities. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the functional work performed in rodents, zebrafish and fruit fly and highlight the generated insights into the biology of ADHD, with a special focus on genetics and epigenetics. We also describe the behavioral tests that are available to study ADHD-relevant phenotypes and comorbid traits in these models. Furthermore, we have searched for new models to study ADHD and its comorbidities, which can be useful to test potential pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Ester Antón-Galindo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Euginia L Singgih
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - William Hg Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, and Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, and Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
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3
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Singh BJ, Zu L, Summers J, Asdjodi S, Glasgow E, Kanwal JS. NemoTrainer: Automated Conditioning for Stimulus-Directed Navigation and Decision Making in Free-Swimming Zebrafish. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010116. [PMID: 36611725 PMCID: PMC9817937 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Current methods for associative conditioning in animals involve human intervention that is labor intensive, stressful to animals, and introduces experimenter bias in the data. Here, we describe a simple apparatus and a flexible, microcontroller-based conditioning paradigm that minimizes human intervention. Our methodology exploits directed movement towards a target that depends on spatial working memory, including processing of sensory inputs, motivational drive, and attentional mechanisms. Within a stimulus-driven conditioning paradigm designed to train zebrafish, we present a localized pulse of light via LEDs and/or sounds via an underwater transducer. A webcam placed below a glass tank records fish-swimming behavior. For classical conditioning, animals simply associate a sound or light with an unconditioned stimulus, such as a small food reward presented at a fixed location, and swim towards that location to obtain a few grains of food dispensed automatically via a sensor-triggered, stepper motor. During operant conditioning, a fish must first approach a proximity sensor at a remote location and then swim to the reward location. For both types of conditioning, a timing-gated interrupt activates stepper motors via custom software embedded within a microcontroller (Arduino). "Ardulink", a Java facility, implements Arduino-computer communication protocols. In this way, a Java-based user interface running on a host computer can provide full experimental control. Alternatively, a similar level of control is achieved via an Arduino script communicating with an event-driven application controller running on the host computer. Either approach can enable precise, multi-day scheduling of training, including timing, location, and intensity of stimulus parameters; and the feeder. Learning can be tracked by monitoring turning, location, response times, and directional swimming of individual fish. This facilitates the comparison of performance within and across a cohort of animals. Our scheduling and control software and apparatus ("NemoTrainer") can be used to study multiple aspects of species-specific behaviors as well as the effects on them of various interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishen J. Singh
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Luciano Zu
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Jacqueline Summers
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Saman Asdjodi
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
| | - Jagmeet S. Kanwal
- Department of Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1460, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(202)-687-1305
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4
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Sheardown E, Mech AM, Petrazzini MEM, Leggieri A, Gidziela A, Hosseinian S, Sealy IM, Torres-Perez JV, Busch-Nentwich EM, Malanchini M, Brennan CH. Translational relevance of forward genetic screens in animal models for the study of psychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104559. [PMID: 35124155 PMCID: PMC9016269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent a significant burden in our societies. Despite the convincing evidence pointing at gene and gene-environment interaction contributions, the role of genetics in the etiology of psychiatric disease is still poorly understood. Forward genetic screens in animal models have helped elucidate causal links. Here we discuss the application of mutagenesis-based forward genetic approaches in common animal model species: two invertebrates, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila sp.); and two vertebrates, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice (Mus musculus), in relation to psychiatric disease. We also discuss the use of large scale genomic studies in human populations. Despite the advances using data from human populations, animal models coupled with next-generation sequencing strategies are still needed. Although with its own limitations, zebrafish possess characteristics that make them especially well-suited to forward genetic studies exploring the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sheardown
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Aleksandra M Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | | | - Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Agnieszka Gidziela
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Saeedeh Hosseinian
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Ian M Sealy
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jose V Torres-Perez
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Elisabeth M Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK.
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5
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Abstract
The use of multiple species to model complex human psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD, can give important insights into conserved evolutionary patterns underlying multidomain behaviors (e.g., locomotion, attention, and impulsivity). Here we discuss the advantages and challenges in modelling ADHD-like phenotypes in zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate species that has been widely used in neuroscience and behavior research. Moreover, multiple behavioral tasks can be used to model the core symptoms of ADHD and its comorbidities. We present a critical review of current ADHD studies in zebrafish, and how this species might be used to accelerate the discovery of new drug treatments for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
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6
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Franks B, Gaffney LP, Graham C, Weary DM. Curiosity in zebrafish ( Danio rerio)? Behavioral responses to 30 novel objects. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1062420. [PMID: 36896243 PMCID: PMC9988950 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1062420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Curiosity-the motivation to seek out information-has been studied widely across the animal kingdom. To investigate curiosity in zebrafish we presented 30 novel objects to groups of zebrafish housed in semi-naturalistic tanks (6 tanks; 10 fish/tank; 10-min presentations). During the first 100 s and final 100 s of each object's 10-min presentation period, we recorded each group's: (i) latency to approach the object, (ii) attraction to the object, (iii) social dynamics: agonistic behavior and group cohesion and coordination, and (iv) diving behavior, a stress response in zebrafish. Comparing these behaviors to a 100 s baseline period when no object was present, we tested for neophobia (avoidance of novelty), neophilia (overall attraction to novelty), sustained interest (prolonged attraction to at least some presentations), discriminant interest (certain objects eliciting more attention than others), habituation (loss of interest over time), and alterations to social and stress behaviors. Zebrafish groups readily approached all objects (1 s median latency), were neophilic throughout all object presentations, and showed systematic sustained interest only for some object presentations at the beginning of the study (object presentations 1-10). Over the course of the study, zebrafish also showed signs of habituation such that by the final ten object presentations (21-30), there were no signs of overall sustained interest. During the beginning of the study (object presentations 1-10), we also found evidence for specific object-driven interest, with object ID accounting for 11% of the variability in interest scores (p < 0.01), and object-driven interest corresponding to alterations in social behavior: decreased aggression (p < 0.02), increased group cohesion (p < 0.02), and increased group coordination (p < 0.05). By explicitly investigating curiosity in fish, this work reveals that under certain conditions, zebrafish voluntarily engage in cognitive stimulation opportunities. More work is needed to clarify what types of information zebrafish find most rewarding and how long-term exposure to such opportunities may affect fish welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becca Franks
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Animal Welfare Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Leigh P Gaffney
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Animal Welfare Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Fisheries Ecology and Marine Conservation Lab, Department of Biology, The University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Courtney Graham
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Animal Welfare Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Animal Welfare Program, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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7
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Zebrafish automatic monitoring system for conditioning and behavioral analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9330. [PMID: 33927213 PMCID: PMC8085222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87502-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies using zebrafish (Danio rerio) in neuro-behavioural research are growing. Measuring fish behavior by computational methods is one of the most efficient ways to avoid human bias in experimental analyses, extending them to various approaches. Sometimes, thorough analyses are difficult to do, as fish can behave unpredictably during an experimental strategy. However, the analyses can be implemented in an automated way, using an online strategy and video processing for a complete assessment of the zebrafish behavior, based on the detection and tracking of fish during an activity. Here, a fully automatic conditioning and detailed analysis of zebrafish behavior is presented. Microcontrolled components were used to control the delivery of visual and sound stimuli, in addition to the concise amounts of food after conditioned stimuli for adult zebrafish groups in a conventional tank. The images were captured and processed for automatic detection of the fish, and the training of the fish was done in two evaluation strategies: simple and complex. In simple conditioning, the zebrafish showed significant responses from the second attempt, learning that the conditioned stimulus was a predictor of food presentation in a specific space of the tank, where the food was dumped. When the fish were subjected to two stimuli for decision-making in the food reward, the zebrafish obtained better responses to red light stimuli in relation to vibration. The behavior change was clear in stimulated fish in relation to the control group, thus, the distances traveled and the speed were greater, while the polarization was lower in stimulated fish. This automated system allows for the conditioning and assessment of zebrafish behavior online, with greater stability in experiments, and in the analysis of the behavior of individual fish or fish schools, including learning and memory studies.
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8
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Bühler A, Carl M. Zebrafish Tools for Deciphering Habenular Network-Linked Mental Disorders. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020324. [PMID: 33672636 PMCID: PMC7924194 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Everything that we think, feel or do depends on the function of neural networks in the brain. These are highly complex structures made of cells (neurons) and their interconnections (axons), which develop dependent on precisely coordinated interactions of genes. Any gene mutation can result in unwanted alterations in neural network formation and concomitant brain disorders. The habenula neural network is one of these important circuits, which has been linked to autism, schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder. Studies using the zebrafish have uncovered genes involved in the development of this network. Intriguingly, some of these genes have also been identified as risk genes of human brain disorders highlighting the power of this animal model to link risk genes and the affected network to human disease. But can we use the advantages of this model to identify new targets and compounds with ameliorating effects on brain dysfunction? In this review, we summarise the current knowledge on techniques to manipulate the habenula neural network to study the consequences on behavior. Moreover, we give an overview of existing behavioral test to mimic aspects of mental disorders and critically discuss the applicability of the zebrafish model in this field of research. Abstract The prevalence of patients suffering from mental disorders is substantially increasing in recent years and represents a major burden to society. The underlying causes and neuronal circuits affected are complex and difficult to unravel. Frequent disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder share links to the habenular neural circuit. This conserved neurotransmitter system relays cognitive information between different brain areas steering behaviors ranging from fear and anxiety to reward, sleep, and social behaviors. Advances in the field using the zebrafish model organism have uncovered major genetic mechanisms underlying the formation of the habenular neural circuit. Some of the identified genes involved in regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling have previously been suggested as risk genes of human mental disorders. Hence, these studies on habenular genetics contribute to a better understanding of brain diseases. We are here summarizing how the gained knowledge on the mechanisms underlying habenular neural circuit development can be used to introduce defined manipulations into the system to study the functional behavioral consequences. We further give an overview of existing behavior assays to address phenotypes related to mental disorders and critically discuss the power but also the limits of the zebrafish model for identifying suitable targets to develop therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Bühler
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (M.C.); Tel.: +39-0461-282745 (A.B.); +39-0461-283931 (M.C.)
| | - Matthias Carl
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (M.C.); Tel.: +39-0461-282745 (A.B.); +39-0461-283931 (M.C.)
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9
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The cognitive and behavioral effects of D-amphetamine and nicotine sensitization in adult zebrafish. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2191-2200. [PMID: 33963883 PMCID: PMC8292302 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish are growing in use as a model for understanding drug dependence and addiction. Sensitization paradigms have been a useful tool in identifying mechanisms involved in drug-induced behavioral and neurological changes, but in zebrafish have tended to focus on locomotor, rather than cognitive, endpoints. METHODS Here, we used a novel method, the FMP Y-maze, which measures continuous performance through a series of repeated binary choices (L vs R), to establish a model for assessing parameters associated with psychostimulant-induced behavioral and cognitive sensitization in adult zebrafish. RESULTS Repeat, intermittent exposure to d-amphetamine (AMPH) for 14 days increased alternations (LRLR) in the maze, suggesting improved working memory, which was enhanced further following drug challenge after a short withdrawal period, suggesting behavioral sensitization. However, this cognitive enhancement coincided with a reduction in the use of other exploration strategies, hypolocomotion, and inhibition of cognitive flexibility. Like AMPH, exposure to nicotine (NIC) increased alternations following drug challenge after chronic treatment. Repeat NIC exposure appeared to induce both cognitive and psychomotor sensitization, as evidenced by increased working memory performance (alternations) and locomotor activity, without negatively impacting other search strategies or cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSION Chronic treatment with AMPH or NIC boosts cognitive performance in adult zebrafish. Cognitive sensitization occurred with both drugs, resulting in enhanced working memory; however, repeat AMPH exposure, following a withdrawal period, resulted in inhibited cognitive flexibility, an effect not evident with repeat NIC exposure. Cognitive and behavioral sensitization paradigms in zebrafish could serve as a useful tool for assessing cognitive states which result in cognitive enhancing or impairing effects of drugs.
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10
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de Abreu MS, C V V Giacomini A, Genario R, Fontana BD, Parker MO, Marcon L, Scolari N, Bueno B, Demin KA, Galstyan D, Kolesnikova TO, Amstislavskaya TG, Zabegalov KN, Strekalova T, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish models of impulsivity and impulse control disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:4233-4248. [PMID: 32619029 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are characterized by generalized difficulty controlling emotions and behaviors. ICDs are a broad group of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders including conduct disorder, intermittent explosive, oppositional-defiant disorder, antisocial personality disorder, kleptomania, pyromania and other illnesses. Although they all share a common feature (aberrant impulsivity), their pathobiology is complex and poorly understood. There are also currently no ICD-specific therapies to treat these illnesses. Animal models are a valuable tool for studying ICD pathobiology and potential therapies. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a useful model organism to study CNS disorders due to high genetic and physiological homology to mammals, and sensitivity to various pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Here, we summarize experimental models of impulsivity and ICD in zebrafish and highlight their growing translational significance. We also emphasize the need for further development of zebrafish ICD models to improve our understanding of their pathogenesis and to search for novel therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.,The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Genario
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Leticia Marcon
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Naiara Scolari
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Barbara Bueno
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - 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
| | - David Galstyan
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana O Kolesnikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, University of Würzburg, Moscow, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Laboratory of Petrochemistry, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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11
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do Nascimento BG, Oliveira HSTOE, Silva HTL, de Siqueira-Silva DH, Lima-Maximino M, Maximino C. A model to study orienting responses in zebrafish, and applications towards the emotion–cognition interaction. Anim Cogn 2020; 23:965-972. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Manabe K, Dooling RJ. A psychophysical approach to measuring the threshold for acoustic stimulation in zebrafish (Danio rerio). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 147:1059. [PMID: 32113261 DOI: 10.1121/10.0000722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are a popular vertebrate animal model for biomedical research including investigations of the auditory system. Responses to acoustic stimulation have been a challenge to carefully measure in zebrafish. Here, the authors have developed a procedure for measuring hearing sensitivity in adult zebrafish using an appetitive automated Go/No Go task. In this task, a trial is initiated when a fish passes through an observing gate. In a sound trial, the fish is reinforced by an automated food delivery system when it enters the reinforcement compartment. If the fish enters the reinforcement compartment during a no-sound trial, a timeout is implemented. Zebrafish successfully learned this task in a median of about ten days of daily training. Zebrafish were most sensitive at a frequency of 800 Hz, which corresponds well with sensitivity reported from physiological methods. As far as the authors know, the present study is the first to provide hearing thresholds for zebrafish using a conventional combination of operant conditioning and psychophysical procedures. This could open the door to other kinds of tests using acoustic stimuli as are commonly conducted in many other laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuchika Manabe
- College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, 1866, Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan
| | - R J Dooling
- University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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13
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Fontana BD, Franscescon F, Rosemberg DB, Norton WH, Kalueff AV, Parker MO. Zebrafish models for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 100:9-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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14
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Soares MC, Cardoso SC, Carvalho TDS, Maximino C. Using model fish to study the biological mechanisms of cooperative behaviour: A future for translational research concerning social anxiety disorders? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:205-215. [PMID: 29154800 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Human societies demand of its composing members the development of a wide array of social tools and strategies. A notable example is human outstanding ability to cooperate with others, in all its complex forms, depicting the reality of a highly demanding social framework in which humans need to be integrated as to attain physical and mental benefits. Considering the importance of social engagement, it's not entirely unexpected that most psychiatric disorders involve some disruption of normal social behaviour, ranging from an abnormal absence to a significant increase of social functioning. It is however surprising that knowledge on these social anxiety disorders still remains so limited. Here we review the literature focusing on the social and cooperative toolbox of 3 fish model species (cleaner fishes, guppies and zebrafish) which are amenable systems to test for social disorders. We build on current knowledge based on ethological information, arising from studies on cooperative behaviour in cleanerfishes and guppies, while profiting from the advantages of the intense use of zebrafish, to create novel paradigms aiming at the major socio-cognitive modules/dimensions in fish species. This focus may enable the discovery of putative conserved endpoints which are relevant for research into social disorders. We suggest that cross-species, cross-domain, functional and genetic approaches could provide a wider array of information on the neurobiological bases of social and cooperative behaviour, crucial to understanding the neural bases of social disorders and key to finding novel avenues towards treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Soares
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal.
| | - Sónia C Cardoso
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Tamires Dos Santos Carvalho
- IESB, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Unidade III, Marabá, Brazil
| | - Caio Maximino
- IESB, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Unidade III, Marabá, Brazil
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15
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Roberts K, Hemmings AJ, McBride SD, Parker MO. Developing a 3-choice serial reaction time task for examining neural and cognitive function in an equine model. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 292:45-52. [PMID: 28179180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large animal models of human neurological disorders are advantageous compared to rodent models due to their neuroanatomical complexity, longevity and their ability to be maintained in naturalised environments. Some large animal models spontaneously develop behaviours that closely resemble the symptoms of neural and psychiatric disorders. The horse is an example of this; the domestic form of this species consistently develops spontaneous stereotypic behaviours akin to the compulsive and impulsive behaviours observed in human neurological disorders such as Tourette's syndrome. The ability to non-invasively probe normal and abnormal equine brain function through cognitive testing may provide an extremely useful methodological tool to assess brain changes associated with certain human neurological and psychiatric conditions. NEW METHOD An automated operant system with the ability to present visual and auditory stimuli as well as dispense salient food reward was developed. To validate the system, ten horses were trained and tested using a standard cognitive task (three choice serial reaction time task (3-CSRTT)). RESULTS All animals achieved total learning criterion and performed six probe sessions. Learning criterion was met within 16.30±0.79 sessions over a three day period. During six probe sessions, level of performance was maintained at 80.67±0.57% (mean±SEM) accuracy. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This is the first mobile fully automated system developed to examine cognitive function in the horse. CONCLUSIONS A fully-automated operant system for mobile cognitive function of a large animal model has been designed and validated. Horses pose an interesting complementary model to rodents for the examination of human neurological dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Roberts
- Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew J Hemmings
- Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 6JS, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian D McBride
- Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth, James Watson West Building, 2 King Richard 1 st Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO1 2FR, United Kingdom
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16
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Fizet J, Cassel JC, Kelche C, Meunier H. A review of the 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time (5-CSRT) task in different vertebrate models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:135-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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17
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Gatto E, Lucon-Xiccato T, Savaşçı BB, Dadda M, Bisazza A. Experimental setting affects the performance of guppies in a numerical discrimination task. Anim Cogn 2016; 20:187-198. [PMID: 27658676 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-016-1037-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A recent study found that guppies (Poecilia reticulata) can be trained to discriminate 4 versus 5 objects, a numerical discrimination typically achieved only by some mammals and birds. In that study, guppies were required to discriminate between two patches of small objects on the bottom of the tank that they could remove to find a food reward. It is not clear whether this species possesses exceptional numerical accuracy compared with the other ectothermic vertebrates or whether its remarkable performance was due to a specific predisposition to discriminate between differences in the quality of patches while foraging. To disentangle these possibilities, we trained guppies to the same numerical discriminations with a more conventional two-choice discrimination task. Stimuli were sets of dots presented on a computer screen, and the subjects received a food reward upon approaching the set with the larger numerosity. Though the cognitive problem was identical in the two experiments, the change in the experimental setting led to a much poorer performance as most fish failed even the 2 versus 3 discrimination. In four additional experiments, we varied the duration of the decision time, the type of stimuli, the length of training, and whether correction was allowed in order to identify the factors responsible for the difference. None of these parameters succeeded in increasing the performance to the level of the previous study, although the group trained with three-dimensional stimuli learned the easiest numerical task. We suggest that the different results with the two experimental settings might be due to constraints on learning and that guppies might be prepared to accurately estimate patch quality during foraging but not to learn an abstract stimulus-reward association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Gatto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | | | - Beste Başak Savaşçı
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Marco Dadda
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Bisazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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18
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Homberg JR, Kyzar EJ, Nguyen M, Norton WH, Pittman J, Poudel MK, Gaikwad S, Nakamura S, Koshiba M, Yamanouchi H, Scattoni ML, Ullman JF, Diamond DM, Kaluyeva AA, Parker MO, Klimenko VM, Apryatin SA, Brown RE, Song C, Gainetdinov RR, Gottesman II, Kalueff AV. Understanding autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders through experimental translational neurobehavioral models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 65:292-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Parker MO, Brock AJ, Sudwarts A, Teh MT, Combe FJ, Brennan CH. Developmental role of acetylcholinesterase in impulse control in zebrafish. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:271. [PMID: 26528153 PMCID: PMC4607786 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular and molecular processes that mediate individual variability in impulsivity, a key behavioral component of many neuropsychiatric disorders, are poorly understood. Zebrafish heterozygous for a nonsense mutation in ache (achesb55/+) showed lower levels of impulsivity in a 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) than wild type and ache+∕+. Assessment of expression of cholinergic (nAChR), serotonergic (5-HT), and dopamine (DR) receptor mRNA in both adult and larval (9 dpf) achesb55/+ revealed significant downregulation of chrna2, chrna5, and drd2 mRNA in achesb55/+ larvae, but no differences in adults. Acute exposure to cholinergic agonist/antagonists had no effect on impulsivity, supporting the hypothesis that behavioral effects observed in adults were due to lasting impact of developmental alterations in cholinergic and dopaminergic signaling. This shows the cross-species role of cholinergic signaling during brain development in impulsivity, and suggests zebrafish may be a useful model for the role of cholinergic pathways as a target for therapeutic advances in addiction medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK ; School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth Portsmouth, UK
| | - Alistair J Brock
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Ari Sudwarts
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Muy-Teck Teh
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Fraser J Combe
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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20
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Maximino C, Silva RXDC, da Silva SDNS, Rodrigues LDSDS, Barbosa H, de Carvalho TS, Leão LKDR, Lima MG, Oliveira KRM, Herculano AM. Non-mammalian models in behavioral neuroscience: consequences for biological psychiatry. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:233. [PMID: 26441567 PMCID: PMC4561806 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Current models in biological psychiatry focus on a handful of model species, and the majority of work relies on data generated in rodents. However, in the same sense that a comparative approach to neuroanatomy allows for the identification of patterns of brain organization, the inclusion of other species and an adoption of comparative viewpoints in behavioral neuroscience could also lead to increases in knowledge relevant to biological psychiatry. Specifically, this approach could help to identify conserved features of brain structure and behavior, as well as to understand how variation in gene expression or developmental trajectories relates to variation in brain and behavior pertinent to psychiatric disorders. To achieve this goal, the current focus on mammalian species must be expanded to include other species, including non-mammalian taxa. In this article, we review behavioral neuroscientific experiments in non-mammalian species, including traditional "model organisms" (zebrafish and Drosophila) as well as in other species which can be used as "reference." The application of these domains in biological psychiatry and their translational relevance is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Campus VIII – Marabá, Universidade do Estado do ParáMarabá, Brazil
| | - Rhayra Xavier do Carmo Silva
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Campus VIII – Marabá, Universidade do Estado do ParáMarabá, Brazil
| | - Suéllen de Nazaré Santos da Silva
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Campus VIII – Marabá, Universidade do Estado do ParáMarabá, Brazil
| | - Laís do Socorro dos Santos Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Campus VIII – Marabá, Universidade do Estado do ParáMarabá, Brazil
| | - Hellen Barbosa
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Campus VIII – Marabá, Universidade do Estado do ParáMarabá, Brazil
| | - Tayana Silva de Carvalho
- Universität Duisburg-EssenEssen, Germany
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do ParáBelém, Brazil
| | - Luana Ketlen dos Reis Leão
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do ParáBelém, Brazil
| | - Monica Gomes Lima
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Campus VIII – Marabá, Universidade do Estado do ParáMarabá, Brazil
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do ParáBelém, Brazil
| | - Karen Renata Matos Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do ParáBelém, Brazil
| | - Anderson Manoel Herculano
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia Experimental, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do ParáBelém, Brazil
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21
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Bault ZA, Peterson SM, Freeman JL. Directional and color preference in adult zebrafish: Implications in behavioral and learning assays in neurotoxicology studies. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 35:1502-10. [PMID: 25993913 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Bault
- School of Health Sciences; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN USA
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22
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Bailey JM, Oliveri AN, Levin ED. Pharmacological analyses of learning and memory in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 139 Pt B:103-11. [PMID: 25792292 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become valuable as a complementary model in behavioral pharmacology, opening a new avenue for understanding the relationships between drug action and behavior. This species offers a useful intermediate approach bridging the gap between in vitro studies and traditional mammalian models. Zebrafish offer great advantages of economy compared to their rodent counterparts, their complex brains and behavioral repertoire offer great translational potential relative to in vitro models. The development and validation of a variety of tests to measure behavior, including cognition, in zebrafish have set the stage for the use of this animal for behavioral pharmacology studies. This has led to research into the basic mechanisms of cognitive function as well as screening for potential cognition-improving drug therapies, among other lines of research. As with all models, zebrafish have limitations, which span pharmacokinetic challenges to difficulties quantifying behavior. The use, efficacy and limitations associated with a zebrafish model of cognitive function are discussed in this review, within the context of behavioral pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Bailey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Anthony N Oliveri
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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23
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Huang J, Zhong Z, Wang M, Chen X, Tan Y, Zhang S, He W, He X, Huang G, Lu H, Wu P, Che Y, Yan YL, Postlethwait JH, Chen W, Wang H. Circadian modulation of dopamine levels and dopaminergic neuron development contributes to attention deficiency and hyperactive behavior. J Neurosci 2015; 35:2572-87. [PMID: 25673850 PMCID: PMC4323534 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2551-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in children and adults. While ADHD patients often display circadian abnormalities, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we found that the zebrafish mutant for the circadian gene period1b (per1b) displays hyperactive, impulsive-like, and attention deficit-like behaviors and low levels of dopamine, reminiscent of human ADHD patients. We found that the circadian clock directly regulates dopamine-related genes monoamine oxidase and dopamine β hydroxylase, and acts via genes important for the development or maintenance of dopaminergic neurons to regulate their number and organization in the ventral diencephalic posterior tuberculum. We then found that Per1 knock-out mice also display ADHD-like symptoms and reduced levels of dopamine, thereby showing highly conserved roles of the circadian clock in ADHD. Our studies demonstrate that disruption of a circadian clock gene elicits ADHD-like syndrome. The circadian model for attention deficiency and hyperactive behavior sheds light on ADHD pathogenesis and opens avenues for exploring novel targets for diagnosis and therapy for this common psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Zhaomin Zhong
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Mingyong Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Xifeng Chen
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Yicheng Tan
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Shuqing Zhang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Wei He
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Xiong He
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Guodong Huang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Haiping Lu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Wu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Yi Che
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College
| | - Yi-Lin Yan
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, and
| | | | - Wenbiao Chen
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, School of Biology & Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College,
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24
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Stewart AM, Ullmann JF, Norton WH, Brennan CH, Parker MO, Gerlai R, Kalueff AV. Molecular psychiatry of zebrafish. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:2-17. [PMID: 25349164 PMCID: PMC4318706 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Due to their well-characterized neural development and high genetic homology to mammals, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful model organism in the field of biological psychiatry. Here, we discuss the molecular psychiatry of zebrafish, and its implications for translational neuroscience research and modeling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In particular, we outline recent genetic and technological developments allowing for in vivo examinations, high-throughput screening and whole-brain analyses in larval and adult zebrafish. We also summarize the application of these molecular techniques to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disease, outlining the potential of zebrafish for modeling complex brain disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aggression, post-traumatic stress and substance abuse. Critically evaluating the advantages and limitations of larval and adult fish tests, we suggest that zebrafish models become a rapidly emerging new field in modern molecular psychiatry research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
- International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Jeremy F.P. Ullmann
- International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - William H.J. Norton
- International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
- Department of Biology, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1-4NS, UK
| | - Matthew O. Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1-4NS, UK
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd N Mississauga, Ontario L5L1C6, Canada
| | - Allan V. Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute, 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
- International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524025, China
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25
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Braida D, Ponzoni L, Martucci R, Sala M. A new model to study visual attention in zebrafish. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 55:80-6. [PMID: 24681194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The major part of cognitive tasks applied to zebrafish has not fully assessed their attentional ability, a process by which the nervous system learns, organizes sensory input and generates coordinated behaviour. In an attempt to maximize the value of zebrafish as an animal model of cognition, we tested the possibility to apply a modified version of novel object recognition test named virtual object recognition test (VORT) using 2D geometrical shapes (square, triangle, circle, cross, etc.) on two iPod 3.5-inch widescreen displays, located on two opposite walls of the water tank. Each fish was subjected to a familiarization trial (T1), and after different time delays (from 5 min to 96 h) to a novel shape recognition trial (T2). A progressive decrease, across time, of memory performance, in terms of mean discrimination index and mean exploration time, was shown. The predictive validity was tested using cholinergic drugs. Nicotine (0.02 mg/kg intraperitoneally, IP) significantly increased, while scopolamine (0.025 mg/kg IP) and mecamylamine decreased, mean discrimination index. Zebrafish discriminated different movements (vertical, horizontal, oblique) and the discrimination index increased significantly when moving poorly discriminated shapes were presented, thus increasing visual attention. Taken together these findings demonstrate that VORT is a viable, fast and useful model to evaluate sustained attention in zebrafish and for predicting the efficacy of pharmacotherapies for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braida
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Don Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ponzoni
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Fratelli Confalonieri, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Martucci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariaelvina Sala
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.
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Krauzlis RJ, Bollimunta A, Arcizet F, Wang L. Attention as an effect not a cause. Trends Cogn Sci 2014; 18:457-64. [PMID: 24953964 PMCID: PMC4186707 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Attention is commonly thought to be important for managing the limited resources available in sensory areas of the neocortex. Here we present an alternative view that attention arises as a byproduct of circuits centered on the basal ganglia involved in value-based decision making. The central idea is that decision making depends on properly estimating the current state of the animal and its environment and that the weighted inputs to the currently prevailing estimate give rise to the filter-like properties of attention. After outlining this new framework, we describe findings from physiological, anatomical, computational, and clinical work that support this point of view. We conclude that the brain mechanisms responsible for attention employ a conserved circuit motif that predates the emergence of the neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Krauzlis
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Anil Bollimunta
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fabrice Arcizet
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lupeng Wang
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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27
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Atomoxetine reduces anticipatory responding in a 5-choice serial reaction time task for adult zebrafish. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:2671-9. [PMID: 24481568 PMCID: PMC4167589 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3439-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in impulse control are related to a number of psychiatric diagnoses, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, addiction, and pathological gambling. Despite increases in our knowledge about the underlying neurochemical and neuroanatomical correlates, understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms is less well established. Understanding these mechanisms is essential in order to move towards individualized treatment programs and increase efficacy of interventions. Zebrafish are a very useful vertebrate model for exploring molecular processes underlying disease owing to their small size and genetic tractability. Their utility in terms of behavioral neuroscience, however, hinges on the validation and publication of reliable assays with adequate translational relevance. Here, we report an initial pharmacological validation of a fully automated zebrafish version of the commonly used five-choice serial reaction time task using a variable interval pre-stimulus interval. We found that atomoxetine reduced anticipatory responses (0.6 mg/kg), whereas a high-dose (4 mg/kg) methylphenidate increased anticipatory responses and the number of trials completed in a session. On the basis of these results, we argue that similar neurochemical processes in fish as in mammals may control impulsivity, as operationally defined by anticipatory responses on a continuous performance task such as this, making zebrafish potentially a good model for exploring the molecular basis of impulse control disorders and for first-round drug screening.
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28
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Stewart AM, Nguyen M, Wong K, Poudel MK, Kalueff AV. Developing zebrafish models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 50:27-36. [PMID: 24315837 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with complex symptoms and unclear, multi-factorial pathogenesis. Animal (rodent) models of ASD-like behavior are extensively used to study genetics, circuitry and molecular mechanisms of ASD. The evolutionarily conserved nature of social behavior and its molecular pathways suggests that alternative experimental models can be developed to complement and enhance the existing rodent ASD paradigms. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming a popular model organism in neuroscience and biological psychiatry to study brain function, model human brain disorders and explore their genetic or pharmacological modulation. Representing highly social animals, zebrafish emerge as a strong potential model organism to study normal and pathological social phenotypes, as well as several other ASD-like symptoms. Here, we discuss the developing utility of zebrafish in modeling ASD as a new emerging field in translational neuroscience and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Michael Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, 415 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Keith Wong
- University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Manoj K Poudel
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
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29
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Gerlai R. Zebrafish as an emerging model for studying complex brain disorders. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35:63-75. [PMID: 24412421 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 691] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly becoming a popular model organism in pharmacogenetics and neuropharmacology. Both larval and adult zebrafish are currently used to increase our understanding of brain function, dysfunction, and their genetic and pharmacological modulation. Here we review the developing utility of zebrafish in the analysis of complex brain disorders (including, e.g., depression, autism, psychoses, drug abuse, and cognitive deficits), also covering zebrafish applications towards the goal of modeling major human neuropsychiatric and drug-induced syndromes. We argue that zebrafish models of complex brain disorders and drug-induced conditions are a rapidly emerging critical field in translational neuroscience and pharmacology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA.
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), 309 Palmer Court, Slidell, LA 70458, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, A210 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
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30
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Parker MO, Ife D, Ma J, Pancholi M, Smeraldi F, Straw C, Brennan CH. Development and automation of a test of impulse control in zebrafish. Front Syst Neurosci 2013; 7:65. [PMID: 24133417 PMCID: PMC3794361 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2013.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in impulse control (difficulties in inhibition of a pre-potent response) are fundamental to a number of psychiatric disorders, but the molecular and cellular basis is poorly understood. Zebrafish offer a very useful model for exploring these mechanisms, but there is currently a lack of validated procedures for measuring impulsivity in fish. In mammals, impulsivity can be measured by examining rates of anticipatory responding in the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), a continuous performance task where the subject is reinforced upon accurate detection of a briefly presented light in one of five distinct spatial locations. This paper describes the development of a fully-integrated automated system for testing impulsivity in adult zebrafish. We outline the development of our image analysis software and its integration with National Instruments drivers and actuators to produce the system. We also describe an initial validation of the system through a one-generation screen of chemically mutagenized zebrafish, where the testing parameters were optimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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31
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Volkoff H. The effects of amphetamine injections on feeding behavior and the brain expression of orexin, CART, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in goldfish (Carassius auratus). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2013; 39:979-991. [PMID: 23229307 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-012-9756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of peripheral (intraperitoneal) injections of D-amphetamine on feeding behavior were assessed in goldfish. Compared with the saline-injected group, amphetamine injections decreased food intake at doses ranging from 1 to 75 μg/g, but not 0.5 μg/g, but increased locomotor behavior, as indicated by the increased number of total feeding and non-feeding acts, at doses ranging from 2.5 to 25 μg/g. Amphetamine at high doses inhibited both food intake (at 25, 50 and 75 μg/g) and feeding behavior (at 75 μg/g). In the hypothalamus, the expression of orexin was down-regulated, and both CART 1 and CART 2 expressions were up-regulated in amphetamine-treated fish (50 μg/g) as compared to saline-injected fish, but amphetamine treatment had no effect on either hypothalamic TH or TRH expression. In the telencephalon, amphetamine treatment (50 μg/g) up-regulated CART 1, CART 2 and TH mRNA expressions but had no effect on either orexin or TRH. Our results suggest that, as in mammals, the orexin, CART and TH systems might be involved in amphetamine-induced feeding/locomotor responses in goldfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Volkoff
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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32
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Parker MO, Brock AJ, Millington ME, Brennan CH. Behavioural phenotyping of casper mutant and 1-pheny-2-thiourea treated adult zebrafish. Zebrafish 2013; 10:466-71. [PMID: 23869690 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2013.0878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to visualise neural circuits in zebrafish in vivo is one of the most useful aspects of this model organism in neuroscience. To maintain the transparency of embryos, however, drugs, such as 1-pheyl-2-thiourea (PTU) must be added, or researchers can use mutants that do not develop pigment (e.g., the casper). The behavioural characteristics of such strains, however, have not been documented. Here, we tested adult zebrafish from the casper line, as well as wild-type (Tübingen, TU) and wild-types treated as embryos with PTU on three commonly used behavioural endpoints in neuroscience: novel tank test (similar to open-field in rodents), conditioned place preference for nicotine, and social cohesion (using a new method of cluster analysis). We found no differences between the casper and the TU, but the adult TU treated with PTU as embryos showed a marked increase in anxiety during the novel tank test. These data suggest that where possible, labs interested in analysis of developmental processes involved in adult phenotypes should avoid the use of PTU in favour of transparent mutants, such as casper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London , London, United Kingdom
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33
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Manabe K, Dooling RJ, Takaku S. Differential reinforcement of an approach response in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behav Processes 2013; 98:106-11. [PMID: 23727035 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Five zebrafish were trained to approach a target using a fully automated training procedure. During a training session, if the distance between the fish and the target was closer than an arbitrarily set distance, the approach response was reinforced by food. The fish continued to respond under this reinforcement contingency and the distance criterion could be shortened up to eighty times within a 1h session. The initial distance limit was then shortened for the next test training session. Once the initial distance criterion was reduced to a final minimum distance, the distance criterion was fixed at this value for the next nine successive sessions. In a second experiment using different fish, we manipulated approach distances in three conditions. The first condition was identical to the changing criterion training as in Experiment 1. In the second condition, only response distances under a distance criterion were reinforced. And in the last condition, only response distances over the distance criterion were reinforced. Results show that zebrafish can control the distance between themselves and a target. In other words, zebrafish are sensitive to the spatial consequences of their behavior. The present results show that a differential reinforcement paradigm can be successfully applied to zebrafish which therefore enhances their value as a vertebrate model for studies of complex behavior including visuomotor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuchika Manabe
- Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Nihon University, 4-25 Nakatomi-Minami, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-0003, Japan.
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34
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Norton WHJ. Toward developmental models of psychiatric disorders in zebrafish. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:79. [PMID: 23637652 PMCID: PMC3636468 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are a diverse set of diseases that affect all aspects of mental function including social interaction, thinking, feeling, and mood. Although psychiatric disorders place a large economic burden on society, the drugs available to treat them are often palliative with variable efficacy and intolerable side-effects. The development of novel drugs has been hindered by a lack of knowledge about the etiology of these diseases. It is thus necessary to further investigate psychiatric disorders using a combination of human molecular genetics, gene-by-environment studies, in vitro pharmacological and biochemistry experiments, animal models, and investigation of the non-biological basis of these diseases, such as environmental effects. Many psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation, and schizophrenia can be triggered by alterations to neural development. The zebrafish is a popular model for developmental biology that is increasingly used to study human disease. Recent work has extended this approach to examine psychiatric disorders as well. However, since psychiatric disorders affect complex mental functions that might be human specific, it is not possible to fully model them in fish. In this review, I will propose that the suitability of zebrafish for developmental studies, and the genetic tools available to manipulate them, provide a powerful model to study the roles of genes that are linked to psychiatric disorders during neural development. The relative speed and ease of conducting experiments in zebrafish can be used to address two areas of future research: the contribution of environmental factors to disease onset, and screening for novel therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H J Norton
- Department of Biology, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Leicester Leicester, UK
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35
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Parker MO, Brock AJ, Walton RT, Brennan CH. The role of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in dissecting the genetics and neural circuits of executive function. Front Neural Circuits 2013; 7:63. [PMID: 23580329 PMCID: PMC3619107 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2013.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have great potential to contribute to our understanding of behavioral genetics and thus to contribute to our understanding of the etiology of psychiatric disease. However, progress is dependent upon the rate at which behavioral assays addressing complex behavioral phenotypes are designed, reported and validated. Here we critically review existing behavioral assays with particular focus on the use of adult zebrafish to explore executive processes and phenotypes associated with human psychiatric disease. We outline the case for using zebrafish as models to study impulse control and attention, discussing the validity of applying extant rodent assays to zebrafish and evidence for the conservation of relevant neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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36
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Parker MO, Gaviria J, Haigh A, Millington ME, Brown VJ, Combe FJ, Brennan CH. Discrimination reversal and attentional sets in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behav Brain Res 2012; 232:264-8. [PMID: 22561034 PMCID: PMC4167590 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The potential of zebrafish as a comparative model in behavioural neuroscience is currently hampered only by the lack of reliable and validated behavioural assays available to researchers. In the present experiment, we describe the performance of zebrafish in a test of attentional set formation. The fish were initially trained on a two-choice colour discrimination. Upon reaching acquisition criterion, the reinforced alternative was switched to the previously unreinforced alternative. Again, upon reaching criterion, the cues were replaced with a novel pair of colours (intra-dimensional shift) and reversed again on reaching criteria. We found that zebrafish show a steady decrease in trials-to-criteria over the four phases of the experiment, suggesting that they are forming and maintaining an attentional set, as has previously been demonstrated with mammals. Reversal learning deficits have been implicated in a variety of human psychological disorders (e.g., disorders of impulse control) and as such, we propose that performance of zebrafish in this procedure may represent a useful comparative model to complement existing rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O. Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Jessica Gaviria
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Alastair Haigh
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Mollie E. Millington
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Verity J. Brown
- School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, UK
| | - Fraser J. Combe
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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37
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Parker MO, Millington ME, Combe FJ, Brennan CH. Housing conditions differentially affect physiological and behavioural stress responses of zebrafish, as well as the response to anxiolytics. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34992. [PMID: 22509375 PMCID: PMC3324417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are a widely utilised animal model in developmental genetics, and owing to recent advances in our understanding of zebrafish behaviour, their utility as a comparative model in behavioural neuroscience is beginning to be realised. One widely reported behavioural measure is the novel tank-diving assay, which has been often cited as a test of anxiety and stress reactivity. Despite its wide utilisation, and various validations against anxiolytic drugs, reporting of pre-test housing has been sparse in the literature. As zebrafish are a shoaling species, we predicted that housing environment would affect their stress reactivity and, as such, their response in the tank-diving procedure. In our first experiment, we tested various aspects of housing (large groups, large groups with no contact, paired, visual contact only, olfactory contact only) and found that the tank diving response was mediated by visual contact with conspecifics. We also tested the basal cortisol levels of group and individually housed fish, and found that individually housed individuals have lower basal cortisol levels. In our second experiment we found ethanol appeared to have an anxiolytic effect with individually housed fish but not those that were group housed. In our final experiment, we examined the effects of changing the fishes' water prior to tank diving as an additional acclimation procedure. We found that this had no effect on individually housed fish, but appeared to affect the typical tank diving responses of the group housed individuals. In conclusion, we demonstrate that housing represents an important factor in obtaining reliable data from this methodology, and should be considered by researchers interested in comparative models of anxiety in zebrafish in order to refine their approach and to increase the power in their experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O. Parker
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mollie E. Millington
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser J. Combe
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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38
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Norton W, Bally-Cuif L. Unravelling the proximate causes of the aggression-boldness behavioural syndrome in zebrafish. BEHAVIOUR 2012. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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39
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Brennan CH, Parker MO. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) models of substance abuse: Harnessing the capabilities. BEHAVIOUR 2012. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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