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Karatayev O, Collier AD, Targoff SR, Leibowitz SF. Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8341. [PMID: 39125913 PMCID: PMC11313660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies demonstrate that the risk of developing neurological disorders is increased by overconsumption of the commonly used drugs, alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. These drug-induced neurological disorders, which include substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, are observed not only in adults but also with drug use during adolescence and after prenatal exposure to these drugs, and they are accompanied by long-lasting disturbances in brain development. This report provides overviews of clinical and preclinical studies, which confirm these adverse effects in adolescents and the offspring prenatally exposed to the drugs and include a more in-depth description of specific neuronal systems, their neurocircuitry and molecular mechanisms, affected by drug exposure and of specific techniques used to determine if these effects in the brain are causally related to the behavioral disturbances. With analysis of further studies, this review then addresses four specific questions that are important for fully understanding the impact that drug use in young individuals can have on future pregnancies and their offspring. Evidence demonstrates that the adverse effects on their brain and behavior can occur: (1) at low doses with short periods of drug exposure during pregnancy; (2) after pre-conception drug use by both females and males; (3) in subsequent generations following the initial drug exposure; and (4) in a sex-dependent manner, with drug use producing a greater risk in females than males of developing SUDs with emotional conditions and female offspring after prenatal drug exposure responding more adversely than male offspring. With the recent rise in drug use by adolescents and pregnant women that has occurred in association with the legalization of cannabis and increased availability of vaping tools, these conclusions from the clinical and preclinical literature are particularly alarming and underscore the urgent need to educate young women and men about the possible harmful effects of early drug use and to seek novel therapeutic strategies that might help to limit drug use in young individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (O.K.); (S.R.T.)
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Campbell S, Leibowitz SF. Embryonic ethanol exposure and optogenetic activation of hypocretin neurons stimulate similar behaviors early in life associated with later alcohol consumption. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3021. [PMID: 38321123 PMCID: PMC10847468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The initiation of alcohol use early in life is one of the strongest predictors of developing a future alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies have identified specific behaviors during early childhood that predict an increased risk for excess alcohol consumption later in life. These behaviors, including increased hyperactivity, anxiety, novelty-seeking, exploratory behavior, impulsivity, and alcohol-seeking, are similarly stimulated in children and adolescent offspring of mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy. Here we tested larval zebrafish in addition to young pre-weanling rats and found this repertoire of early behaviors along with the overconsumption of alcohol during adolescence to be increased by embryonic ethanol exposure. With hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) neurons known to be stimulated by ethanol and involved in mediating these alcohol-related behaviors, we tested their function in larval zebrafish and found optogenetic activation of Hcrt neurons to stimulate these same early alcohol-related behaviors and later alcohol intake, suggesting that these neurons have an important role in producing these behaviors. Together, these results show zebrafish to be an especially useful animal model for investigating the diverse neuronal systems mediating behavioral changes at young ages that are produced by embryonic ethanol exposure and predict an increased risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Samantha Campbell
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Collier AD, Abdulai AR, Leibowitz SF. Utility of the Zebrafish Model for Studying Neuronal and Behavioral Disturbances Induced by Embryonic Exposure to Alcohol, Nicotine, and Cannabis. Cells 2023; 12:2505. [PMID: 37887349 PMCID: PMC10605371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 5% of pregnant women consume drugs of abuse during pregnancy. Clinical research suggests that intake of drugs during pregnancy, such as alcohol, nicotine and cannabis, disturbs the development of neuronal systems in the offspring, in association with behavioral disturbances early in life and an increased risk of developing drug use disorders. After briefly summarizing evidence in rodents, this review focuses on the zebrafish model and its inherent advantages for studying the effects of embryonic exposure to drugs of abuse on behavioral and neuronal development, with an emphasis on neuropeptides known to promote drug-related behaviors. In addition to stimulating the expression and density of peptide neurons, as in rodents, zebrafish studies demonstrate that embryonic drug exposure has marked effects on the migration, morphology, projections, anatomical location, and peptide co-expression of these neurons. We also describe studies using advanced methodologies that can be applied in vivo in zebrafish: first, to demonstrate a causal relationship between the drug-induced neuronal and behavioral disturbances and second, to discover underlying molecular mechanisms that mediate these effects. The zebrafish model has great potential for providing important information regarding the development of novel and efficacious therapies for ameliorating the effects of early drug exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Yasmin N, Collier AD, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Khalizova N, Leibowitz SF. Subpopulations of hypocretin/orexin neurons differ in measures of their cell proliferation, dynorphin co-expression, projections, and response to embryonic ethanol exposure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8448. [PMID: 37231149 PMCID: PMC10213024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35432-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies in animals demonstrate that embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH) at low-moderate doses stimulates neurogenesis and increases the number of hypothalamic neurons expressing the peptide, hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt). A recent study in zebrafish showed that this effect on the Hcrt neurons in the anterior hypothalamus (AH) is area specific, evident in the anterior (aAH) but not posterior (pAH) part of this region. To understand specific factors that may determine the differential sensitivity to EtOH of these Hcrt subpopulations, we performed additional measures in zebrafish of their cell proliferation, co-expression of the opioid dynorphin (Dyn), and neuronal projections. In association with the increase in Hcrt neurons in the aAH but not pAH, EtOH significantly increased only in the aAH the proliferation of Hcrt neurons and their number lacking Dyn co-expression. The projections of these subpopulations differed markedly in their directionality, with those from the pAH primarily descending to the locus coeruleus and those from the aAH ascending to the subpallium, and they were both stimulated by EtOH, which induced specifically the most anterior subpallium-projecting Hcrt neurons to become ectopically expressed beyond the aAH. These differences between the Hcrt subpopulations suggest they are functionally distinct in their regulation of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Yasmin N, Collier AD, Abdulai AR, Karatayev O, Yu B, Fam M, Leibowitz SF. Role of Chemokine Cxcl12a in Mediating the Stimulatory Effects of Ethanol on Embryonic Development of Subpopulations of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons and Their Projections. Cells 2023; 12:1399. [PMID: 37408233 PMCID: PMC10216682 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in zebrafish and rats show that embryonic ethanol exposure at low-moderate concentrations stimulates hypothalamic neurons expressing hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) that promote alcohol consumption, effects possibly involving the chemokine Cxcl12 and its receptor Cxcr4. Our recent studies in zebrafish of Hcrt neurons in the anterior hypothalamus (AH) demonstrate that ethanol exposure has anatomically specific effects on Hcrt subpopulations, increasing their number in the anterior AH (aAH) but not posterior AH (pAH), and causes the most anterior aAH neurons to become ectopically expressed further anterior in the preoptic area (POA). Using tools of genetic overexpression and knockdown, our goal here was to determine whether Cxcl12a has an important function in mediating the specific effects of ethanol on these Hcrt subpopulations and their projections. The results demonstrate that the overexpression of Cxcl12a has stimulatory effects similar to ethanol on the number of aAH and ectopic POA Hcrt neurons and the long anterior projections from ectopic POA neurons and posterior projections from pAH neurons. They also demonstrate that knockdown of Cxcl12a blocks these effects of ethanol on the Hcrt subpopulations and projections, providing evidence supporting a direct role of this specific chemokine in mediating ethanol's stimulatory effects on embryonic development of the Hcrt system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Integrative Roles of Dopamine Pathway and Calcium Channels Reveal a Link between Schizophrenia and Opioid Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044088. [PMID: 36835497 PMCID: PMC9966501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044088] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Several theories have been proposed to explain the mechanisms of substance use in schizophrenia. Brain neurons pose a potential to provide novel insights into the association between opioid addiction, withdrawal, and schizophrenia. Thus, we exposed zebrafish larvae at 2 days post-fertilization (dpf) to domperidone (DPM) and morphine, followed by morphine withdrawal. Drug-induced locomotion and social preference were assessed, while the level of dopamine and the number of dopaminergic neurons were quantified. In the brain tissue, the expression levels of genes associated with schizophrenia were measured. The effects of DMP and morphine were compared to vehicle control and MK-801, a positive control to mimic schizophrenia. Gene expression analysis revealed that α1C, α1Sa, α1Aa, drd2a, and th1 were up-regulated after 10 days of exposure to DMP and morphine, while th2 was down-regulated. These two drugs also increased the number of positive dopaminergic neurons and the total dopamine level but reduced the locomotion and social preference. The termination of morphine exposure led to the up-regulation of th2, drd2a, and c-fos during the withdrawal phase. Our integrated data implicate that the dopamine system plays a key role in the deficits in social behavior and locomotion that are common in the schizophrenia-like symptoms and opioid dependence.
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Khalizova N, Fam M, Leibowitz SF. Neuronal chemokine concentration gradients mediate effects of embryonic ethanol exposure on ectopic hypocretin/orexin neurons and behavior in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1447. [PMID: 36702854 PMCID: PMC9880007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic ethanol exposure in zebrafish and rats, while stimulating hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) neurons along with alcohol consumption and related behaviors, increases the chemokine receptor Cxcr4 that promotes neuronal migration and may mediate ethanol's effects on neuronal development. Here we performed a more detailed anatomical analysis in zebrafish of ethanol's effects on the Cxcl12a/Cxcr4b system throughout the entire brain as it relates to Hcrt neurons developing within the anterior hypothalamus (AH) where they are normally located. We found that ethanol increased these Hcrt neurons only in the anterior part of the AH and induced ectopic Hcrt neurons further anterior in the preoptic area, and these effects along with ethanol-induced behaviors were completely blocked by a Cxcr4 antagonist. Analysis of cxcl12a transcripts and internalized Cxcr4b receptors throughout the brain showed they both exhibited natural posterior-to-anterior concentration gradients, with levels lowest in the posterior AH and highest in the anterior telencephalon. While stimulating their density in all areas and maintaining these gradients, ethanol increased chemokine expression only in the more anterior and ectopic Hcrt neurons, effects blocked by the Cxcr4 antagonist. These findings demonstrate how increased chemokine expression acting along natural gradients mediates ethanol-induced anterior migration of ectopic Hcrt neurons and behavioral disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Chang GQ, Karatayev O, Khalizova N, Fam M, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Leibowitz SF. Embryonic ethanol exposure induces ectopic Hcrt and MCH neurons outside hypothalamus in rats and zebrafish: Role in ethanol-induced behavioural disturbances. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13238. [PMID: 36301208 PMCID: PMC9625080 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic exposure to ethanol increases the risk for alcohol use disorder in humans and stimulates alcohol-related behaviours in different animal models. Evidence in rats and zebrafish suggests that this phenomenon induced by ethanol at low-moderate concentrations involves a stimulatory effect on neurogenesis and density of hypothalamic neurons expressing the peptides, hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), known to promote alcohol consumption. Building on our report in zebrafish showing that ethanol induces ectopic expression of Hcrt neurons outside the hypothalamus, we investigated here whether embryonic ethanol exposure also induces ectopic peptide neurons in rats similar to zebrafish and affects their morphological characteristics and if these ectopic neurons are functional and have a role in the ethanol-induced disturbances in behaviour. We demonstrate in rats that ethanol at a low-moderate dose, in addition to increasing Hcrt and MCH neurons in the lateral hypothalamus where they are normally concentrated, induces ectopic expression of these peptide neurons further anterior in the nucleus accumbens core and ventromedial caudate putamen where they have not been previously observed and causes morphological changes relative to normally located hypothalamic neurons. Similar to rats, embryonic ethanol exposure at a low-moderate dose in zebrafish induces ectopic Hcrt neurons anterior to the hypothalamus and alters their morphology. Notably, laser ablation of these ectopic Hcrt neurons blocks the behavioural effects induced by ethanol exposure, including increased anxiety and locomotor activity. These findings suggest that the ectopic peptide neurons are functional and contribute to the ethanol-induced behavioural disturbances related to the overconsumption of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D. Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Guo-Qing Chang
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Abdul R. Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
| | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065
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Cararo JH, Rico EP. Long-lasting implications of embryonic exposure to alcohol: Insights from zebrafish research. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 82:29-40. [PMID: 34687497 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22855] [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: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The harmful consumption of ethanol is associated with significant health problems and social burdens. This drug activates a complex network of reward mechanisms and habit formation learning that is supposed to contribute to the consumption of increasingly high and frequent amounts, ultimately leading to addiction. In the context of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a consequence of the harmful use of alcohol during pregnancy, which affects the embryonic development of the fetus. FAS can be easily reproduced in zebrafish by exposing the embryos to different concentrations of ethanol in water. In this regard, the aim of the present review is to discuss the late pathological implications in zebrafish exposed to ethanol at the embryonic stage, providing information in the context of human fetal alcoholic spectrum disorders. Experimental FAS in zebrafish is associated with impairments in the metabolic, morphological, neurochemical, behavioral, and cognitive domains. Many of the pathways that are affected by ethanol in zebrafish have at least one ortholog in humans, collaborating with the wider adoption of zebrafish in studies on alcohol disorders. In fact, zebrafish present validities required for the study of these conditions, which contributes to the use of this species in research, in addition to studies with rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Henrique Cararo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Pacheco Rico
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Khalizova N, Campbell S, Onoichenco A, Fam M, Albeg AS, Leibowitz SF. Sexually dimorphic and asymmetric effects of embryonic ethanol exposure on hypocretin/orexin neurons as related to behavioral changes in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16078. [PMID: 34373563 PMCID: PMC8352948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95707-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons expressing the neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) in the hypothalamus promote reward-related behaviors including alcohol consumption and are shown in rodents and zebrafish to be stimulated by embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH). We used here in zebrafish three-dimensional analyses of the entire population of Hcrt neurons to examine how embryonic EtOH exposure at low-moderate concentrations (0.1% or 0.5% v/v) alters these neurons in relation to behavior. We found that EtOH in the water for 2 h (22-24 h post fertilization) increases the number of Hcrt neurons on the left but not right side of the brain through a stimulation of cell proliferation, this is accompanied by a decrease in locomotor activity under novel conditions but not after habituation, and these effects are evident in both larvae and adults indicating they are long lasting. Our analyses in adults revealed sexually dimorphic effects, with females consuming more EtOH-gelatin and exhibiting more freezing behavior along with an asymmetric increase in Hcrt neurons and males exhibiting increased aggression with no change in Hcrt. These findings suggest that a long lasting, asymmetric increase in Hcrt neurons induced by EtOH results from an asymmetric increase in proliferation specific to Hcrt and contributes to behavioral changes in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D. Collier
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Samantha Campbell
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Amanda Onoichenco
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Avi S. Albeg
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- grid.134907.80000 0001 2166 1519Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 USA
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Schaidhauer FG, Caetano HA, da Silva GP, da Silva RS. Contributions of Zebrafish Studies on the Behavioural Consequences of Early Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:579-593. [PMID: 33913405 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210428114317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consequences of mild to severe exposure to alcohol during brain development is still a matter of debate and scientific investigation. The long-term behavioural effects of ethanol exposure have been related to impaired social skills and cognition. Zebrafish have become a suitable animal model to investigate the effects of early ethanol exposure because it is very feasible to promote drug delivery during early development. OBJECTIVE The goal of the current report is to review existing behavioural studies addressing the impact of early alcohol exposure using zebrafish to determine whether these models resemble the behavioural effects of early alcohol exposure in humans. METHODS A comprehensive search of biomedical databases was performed using the operation order: "ZEBRAFISH AND BEHAV* AND (ETHANOL OR ALCOHOL)". The eligibility of studies was determined using the PICOS strategy, contemplating the population as zebrafish, intervention as exposure to ethanol, comparison with a non-exposed control animal, and outcomes as behavioural parameters. RESULTS The systematic search returned 29 scientific articles as eligible. The zebrafish is presented as a versatile animal model that is useful to study FASD short and long-term behaviour impairments, such as anxiety, impaired sociability, aggressiveness, learning problems, memory impairment, seizure susceptibility, sleep disorders, motivational problems, and addiction. CONCLUSION This systematic review serves to further promote the use of zebrafish as a model system to study the pathophysiological and behavioural consequences of early alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Gheller Schaidhauer
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Higor Arruda Caetano
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pietro da Silva
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rosane Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Collier AD, Khalizova N, Chang GQ, Min S, Campbell S, Gulati G, Leibowitz SF. Involvement of Cxcl12a/Cxcr4b Chemokine System in Mediating the Stimulatory Effect of Embryonic Ethanol Exposure on Neuronal Density in Zebrafish Hypothalamus. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:2519-2535. [PMID: 33067812 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryonic exposure to ethanol (EtOH) produces marked disturbances in neuronal development and alcohol-related behaviors, with low-moderate EtOH doses stimulating neurogenesis without producing apoptosis and high doses having major cytotoxic effects while causing gross morphological abnormalities. With the pro-inflammatory chemokine system, Cxcl12, and its main receptor Cxcr4, known to promote processes of neurogenesis, we examined here this neuroimmune system in the embryonic hypothalamus to test directly if it mediates the stimulatory effects low-moderate EtOH doses have on neuronal development. METHODS We used the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model, which develops externally and allows one to investigate the developing brain in vivo with precise control of dose and timing of EtOH delivery in the absence of maternal influence. Zebrafish were exposed to low-moderate EtOH doses (0.1, 0.25, 0.5% v/v), specifically during a period of peak hypothalamic development from 22 to 24 hours postfertilization, and in some tests were pretreated from 2 to 22 hpf with the Cxcr4 receptor antagonist, AMD3100. Measurements in the hypothalamus at 26 hpf were taken of cxcl12a and cxcr4b transcription, signaling, and neuronal density using qRT-PCR, RNAscope, and live imaging of transgenic zebrafish. RESULTS Embryonic EtOH exposure, particularly at the 0.5% dose, significantly increased levels of cxcl12a and cxcr4b mRNA in whole embryos, number of cxcl12a and cxcr4b transcripts in developing hypothalamus, and internalization of Cxcr4b receptors in hypothalamic cells. Embryonic EtOH also caused an increase in the number of hypothalamic neurons and coexpression of cxcl12a and cxcr4b transcripts within these neurons. Each of these stimulatory effects of EtOH in the embryo was blocked by pretreatment with the Cxcr4 antagonist AMD3100. CONCLUSIONS These results provide clear evidence that EtOH's stimulatory effects at low-moderate doses on the number of hypothalamic neurons early in development are mediated, in part, by increased transcription and intracellular activation of this chemokine system, likely due to autocrine signaling of Cxcl12a at its Cxcr4b receptor within the neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Nailya Khalizova
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Guo-Qing Chang
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Soe Min
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Samantha Campbell
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Gazal Gulati
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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13
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Lutte AH, Majolo JH, Da Silva RS. Inhibition of ecto-5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase is able to reverse long-term behavioural effects of early ethanol exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Sci Rep 2020; 10:17809. [PMID: 33082435 PMCID: PMC7576130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The behavioural impacts of prenatal exposure to ethanol include a lower IQ, learning problems, anxiety and conduct disorders. Several components of the neurochemical network could contribute to the long-lasting effects of ethanol embryonic exposure. Adenosine is an important neuromodulator, that has been indicated to be affected by acute and chronic exposure to ethanol. Here, embryos of zebrafish exposed to 1% ethanol during the developmental stages of gastrula/segmentation or pharyngula exhibited anxiolytic effect, increased aggressiveness, and decreased social interaction. The exposure during pharyngula stage was able to affect all behavioural parameters analysed at 3 months-post fertilization (mpf), while the treatment during gastrula stage affected the anxiety and social interaction parameters. The aggressiveness was the only behavioural effect of early ethanol exposure that lasted to 12 mpf. The use of a specific inhibitor of adenosine production, the inhibitor of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (AMPCP/150 mg/kg), and the specific inhibitor of adenosine degradation, the inhibitor of adenosine deaminase, EHNA (100 mg/kg) did not affect the effects over anxiety. However, AMPCP at 3 mpf, but not EHNA, reversed aggressive parameters. AMPCP also recovered the social interaction parameter at 3 mpf in animals treated in both stages, while EHNA recovered this parameter just in those animals treated with ethanol during the gastrula stage. These results suggest that long-lasting behavioural effects of ethanol can be modulated by intervention on ecto-5′-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Haab Lutte
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Julia Huppes Majolo
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Rosane Souza Da Silva
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
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14
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Facciol A, Gerlai R. Zebrafish Shoaling, Its Behavioral and Neurobiological Mechanisms, and Its Alteration by Embryonic Alcohol Exposure: A Review. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:572175. [PMID: 33100980 PMCID: PMC7546311 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.572175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social cognition and social behaviors are complex phenomena that involve numerous brain areas and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Embryonic alcohol exposure may lead to the development of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a disorder that manifests with varying symptoms including abnormal social behavior and other cognitive deficits. Animal models have been utilized to mimic aspects of the disease and to study potential underlying mechanisms. The zebrafish is a relative newcomer in this field but has been suggested as an optimal compromise between system complexity and practical simplicity for modeling FASD. Importantly, due to external fertilization and development of the embryo outside the mother and subsequent lack of parental care, this species allows precise control of the timing and dose of alcohol delivery during embryonic development. Furthermore, the zebrafish is a highly social species and thus may be particularly appropriate for the analysis of embryonic alcohol-induced alterations in this context. Here, we provide a succinct review focusing on shoaling, a prominent form of social behavior, in zebrafish. We summarize what is known about its behavioral mechanisms and underlying neurobiological processes, and how it is altered by exposure to ethanol during embryonic development. Lastly, we briefly consider possible future directions of research that would help us better understand the relationship between the behavioral expression and molecular basis of embryonic ethanol-induced social deficits in fish and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Facciol
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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15
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24-Epibrassinolide protects against ethanol-induced behavioural teratogenesis in zebrafish embryo. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 328:109193. [PMID: 32668205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic studies have demonstrated the neurotoxic, teratogenic, and neurobehavioral toxicity of ethanol (EtOH). Although multiple mechanisms may contribute to these effects, oxidative stress has been described as the major damage pathway. In this regard, natural antioxidants have the potential to counteract oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of 24-epibrassinolide (24-EPI), a natural brassinosteroid with proved antioxidant properties, in EtOH-induced teratogenic effects during early zebrafish development. Embryos (~2 h post-fertilization - hpf) were exposed to 1 % EtOH, co-exposed to 24-EPI (0.01, 0.1 and 1 μM) and to 24-EPI alone (1 μM) for 24 h. Following exposure, biochemical evaluations were made at 26 hpf, developmental analysis was made throughout the embryo-larval period, and behavioural responses were evaluated at 120 hpf. Exposure to 1 % EtOH caused an increase in the number of malformations, which were diminished by 24-EPI. In addition, EtOH induced an accumulation of GSSG and consequent reduction of GSH:GSSG ratio, indicating the involvement of oxidative mechanisms in the EtOH-induced effects. These were reverted by 24-EPI as proved by the GSSG levels and GSH:GSSG ratio that returned to control values. Furthermore, exposure to EtOH resulted in behavioural deficits at 120 hpf as observed by the disrupted response to an aversive stimulus, suggesting the involvement of neurotoxic mechanisms. 24-EPI restored the behavioural deficits observed in a dose-dependent manner. The absence of effects in the embryos exposed solely to 24-EPI showed its safety during the exposure period. In conclusion, EtOH caused developmental teratogenicity and behavioural toxicity by inducing glutathione changes, which were prevented by 24-EPI.
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16
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Facciol A, Bailleul C, Nguyen S, Chatterjee D, Gerlai R. Developmental stage-dependent deficits induced by embryonic ethanol exposure in zebrafish: A neurochemical analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 99:109859. [PMID: 31917146 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
FASD results from the developing fetus being exposed to alcohol, and is characterized by morphological, behavioural and cognitive deficits. However, the expression, severity and age of onset of these symptoms has been found to show variation. This variation may partly be due to the developmental stage at which alcohol reached the developing fetus. Previously, alcohol was shown to lead to significant concentration dependent behavioural as well as neurochemical changes detected in adult zebrafish when this substance was administered at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) for 2 h. This alcohol exposure method arguably mimicked the milder, and more prevalent, forms of human FASD. However, whether the observed changes depended upon the developmental stage, i.e., the timing, of alcohol exposure has not been systematically analyzed. Here, we employ the same alcohol dosing regimen, where zebrafish eggs are immersed into 0% or 1% (vol/vol) alcohol for 2 h, but we perform the immersion at 5, 10, 16, 24, 36, or 48 hpf. We previously developed a sensitive HPLC method to quantify neurochemicals, and found levels of dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites DOPAC and 5-HIAA to be affected by embryonic alcohol treatment. Here, using the same method, we compare whole-brain levels of these neurochemicals in the embryonic alcohol exposed and control zebrafish at their age of 30 days post-fertilization (dpf). Consistent with previous reports, we found significant reduction of levels of dopamine, serotonin and their metabolites in the fish exposed to alcohol at 24 hpf. However, we also found significant dependency on the developmental stage at which alcohol was administered with particularly robust impairments when the exposure was at the early or middle of the developmental periods probed. Our results now demonstrate that one can detect functional abnormalities in the zebrafish brain induced by embryonic alcohol as early as 30 dpf and that the neurochemical deficits are dependent upon the developmental stage at which alcohol is administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Facciol
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Celine Bailleul
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | - Samuel Nguyen
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada
| | | | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada.
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17
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Chang GQ, Collier AD, Karatayev O, Gulati G, Boorgu DSSK, Leibowitz SF. Moderate Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Stimulates CXCL12/CXCR4 Chemokine System in Radial Glia Progenitor Cells in Hypothalamic Neuroepithelium and Peptide Neurons in Lateral Hypothalamus of the Embryo and Postnatal Offspring. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:866-879. [PMID: 32020622 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH) has lasting effects on neuropeptide and neuroimmune systems in the brain alongside detrimental alcohol-related behaviors. At low-to-moderate doses, prenatal EtOH stimulates neurogenesis in lateral hypothalamus (LH) and increases neurons that express the orexigenic peptides hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt/OX) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), and the proinflammatory chemokine CCL2, which through its receptor CCR2 stimulates cell differentiation and movement. Our recent studies demonstrated that CCL2 and CCR2 colocalize with MCH neurons and are involved in EtOH's stimulatory effect on their development but show no relation to Hcrt/OX. Here, we investigated another chemokine, CXCL12, and its receptor, CXCR4, which promote neurogenesis and neuroprogenitor cell proliferation, to determine if they also exhibit peptide specificity in their response to EtOH exposure. METHODS Pregnant rats were intraorally administered a moderate dose of EtOH (2 g/kg/d) from embryonic day 10 (E10) to E15. Their embryos and postnatal offspring were examined using real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence histochemistry, to determine if EtOH affects CXCL12 and CXCR4 and the colocalization of CXCR4 with Hcrt/OX and MCH neurons in the LH and with radial glia neuroprogenitor cells in the hypothalamic neuroepithelium (NEP). RESULTS Prenatal EtOH strongly stimulated CXCL12 and CXCR4 in LH neurons of embryos and postnatal offspring. This stimulation was significantly stronger in Hcrt/OX than MCH neurons in LH and also occurred in radial glia neuroprogenitor cells dense in the NEP. These effects were sexually dimorphic, consistently stronger in females than males. CONCLUSIONS While showing prenatal EtOH exposure to have a sexually dimorphic, stimulatory effect on CXCL12 and CXCR4 in LH similar to CCL2 and its receptor, these results reveal their distinct relationship to the peptide neurons, with the former closely related to Hcrt/OX and the latter to MCH, and they link EtOH's actions in LH to a stimulatory effect on neuroprogenitor cells in the NEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Chang
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, (GQC, ADC, OK, GG, SFL), The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Adam D Collier
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, (GQC, ADC, OK, GG, SFL), The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Olga Karatayev
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, (GQC, ADC, OK, GG, SFL), The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Gazal Gulati
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, (GQC, ADC, OK, GG, SFL), The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | | | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- From the, Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, (GQC, ADC, OK, GG, SFL), The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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18
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Collier AD, Min SS, Campbell SD, Roberts MY, Camidge K, Leibowitz SF. Maternal ethanol consumption before paternal fertilization: Stimulation of hypocretin neurogenesis and ethanol intake in zebrafish offspring. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 96:109728. [PMID: 31394141 PMCID: PMC6815720 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous clinical and pre-clinical studies showing that exposure of the embryo to ethanol markedly affects neuronal development and stimulates alcohol drinking and related behaviors. In rodents and zebrafish, our studies show that embryonic exposure to low-dose ethanol, in addition to increasing voluntary ethanol intake during adolescence, increases the density of hypothalamic hypocretin (hcrt) neurons, a neuropeptide known to regulate reward-related behaviors. The question addressed here in zebrafish is whether maternal ethanol intake before conception also affects neuronal and behavioral development, phenomena suggested by clinical reports but seldom investigated. To determine if preconception maternal ethanol consumption also affects these hcrt neurons and behavior in the offspring, we first standardized a method of measuring voluntary ethanol consumption in AB strain adult and larval zebrafish given gelatin meals containing 10% or 0.1% ethanol, respectively. We found the number of bites of gelatin to be an accurate measure of intake in adults and a strong predictor of blood ethanol levels, and also to be a reliable indicator of intake in larval zebrafish. We then used this feeding paradigm and live imaging to examine the effects of preconception maternal intake of 10% ethanol-gelatin compared to plain-gelatin for 14 days on neuronal development in the offspring. Whereas ethanol consumption by adult female HuC:GFP transgenic zebrafish had no impact on the number of differentiated HuC+ neurons at 28 h post-fertilization (hpf), preconception ethanol consumption by adult female hcrt:EGFP zebrafish significantly increased the number of hcrt neurons in the offspring, an effect observed at 28 hpf and confirmed at 6 and 12 days post-fertilization (dpf). This increase in hcrt neurons was primarily present on the left side of the brain, indicating asymmetry in ethanol's actions, and it was accompanied by behavioral changes in the offspring, including a significant increase in novelty-induced locomotor activity but not thigmotaxis measured at 6 dpf and also in voluntary consumption of 0.1% ethanol-gelatin at 12 dpf. Notably, these measures of ethanol intake and locomotor activity stimulated by preconception ethanol were strongly, positively correlated with the number of hcrt neurons. These findings demonstrate that preconception maternal ethanol consumption affects the brain and behavior of the offspring, producing effects similar to those caused by embryonic ethanol exposure, and they provide further evidence that the ethanol-induced increase in hcrt neurogenesis contributes to the behavioral disturbances caused by ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Soe S Min
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samantha D Campbell
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mia Y Roberts
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kaylin Camidge
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Zindler F, Beedgen F, Braunbeck T. Time-course of coiling activity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to ethanol as an endpoint for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) - Hidden potential and underestimated challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 235:12-20. [PMID: 31254777 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Detection of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) has been recognized as a major challenge by regulatory bodies and science. In search of sensitive and specific test methods, spontaneous tail coiling of embryonic zebrafish has been recommended as a promising tool for identification of DNT-inducing chemicals. The present study was designed to develop a protocol for a prolonged test to study neurotoxicity during the entire development of coiling movement in zebrafish embryos. Ambient illumination was found to modulate coiling activity from the very onset of tail movements representing the earliest behavioral response to light possible in zebrafish. In the dark, embryos displayed increased coiling activity in a way known from photokinesis, a stereotypical element of the visual motor response. Elevated coiling activity during dark phases allows for the development of test strategies that integrate later coiling movements under the control of a further developed nervous system. Furthermore, zebrafish embryos were exposed to ethanol, and coiling activity was analyzed according to the new test protocol. Exposure of embryos to non-teratogenic concentrations of ethanol (0.4-1%) resulted in a delay of the onset of coiling activity and heartbeat. Moreover, ethanol produced a dose-dependent increase in coiling frequency at 26 h post-fertilization, indicating the involvement of neurotoxic mechanisms. Analysis of coiling activity during prolonged exposure allowed for (1) attributing effects on coiling activity to different mechanisms and (2) preventing false interpretation of results. Further research is needed to verify the potential of this test protocol to distinguish between different mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Zindler
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany.
| | - Franziska Beedgen
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
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20
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Collier AD, Halkina V, Min SS, Roberts MY, Campbell SD, Camidge K, Leibowitz SF. Embryonic Ethanol Exposure Affects the Early Development, Migration, and Location of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons in Zebrafish. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:1702-1713. [PMID: 31206717 PMCID: PMC6677602 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryonic ethanol (EtOH) exposure is known to increase alcohol drinking later in life and have long-term effects on neurochemical systems in the brain. With zebrafish having marked advantages for elucidating neural mechanisms underlying brain disorders, we recently tested and showed in these fish, similar to rodents, that low-dose embryonic EtOH stimulates voluntary consumption of EtOH while increasing expression of hypocretin/orexin (hcrt) neurons, a neuropeptide that promotes consummatory and reward-related behaviors. The goal of the present study was to characterize how embryonic EtOH affects early development of the hcrt system and produces persistent changes at older ages that may contribute to this increase in EtOH consumption. METHODS We utilized live imaging and Imaris software to investigate how low-dose embryonic EtOH (0.5%), administered from 22 to 24 hours postfertilization, affects specific properties of hcrt neurons in hcrt:EGFP transgenic zebrafish at different ages. RESULTS Time-lapse imaging from 24 to 28 hpf showed that embryonic EtOH increased the number of hcrt neurons, reduced the speed, straightness, and displacement of their migratory paths, and altered their direction early in development. At older ages up to 6 dpf, the embryonic EtOH-induced increase in hcrt neurons was persistent, and the neurons became more widely dispersed. These effects of embryonic EtOH were found to be asymmetric, occurring predominantly on the left side of the brain, and at 6 dpf, they resulted in marked changes in the anatomical location of the hcrt neurons, with some detected outside their normal position in the anterior hypothalamus again primarily on the left side. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that low-dose embryonic EtOH has diverse, persistent, and asymmetric effects on the early development of hypothalamic hcrt neurons, which lead to abnormalities in their ultimate location that may contribute to behavioral disturbances, including an increase in EtOH consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D. Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Viktoriya Halkina
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Soe S. Min
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Mia Y. Roberts
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | | | - Kaylin Camidge
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY
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Alcohol exposure during embryonic development: An opportunity to conduct systematic developmental time course analyses in zebrafish. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 98:185-193. [PMID: 30641117 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol affects numerous neurobiological processes depending upon the developmental stage at which it reaches the vertebrate embryo. Exposure time dependency may explain the variable severity and manifestation of life-long symptoms observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) patients. Characterization of behavioural deficits will help us understand developmental stage-dependency and its underlying biological mechanisms. Here we highlight pioneering studies that model FASD using zebrafish, including those that demonstrated developmental stage-dependency of alcohol effects on some behaviours. We also succinctly review the more expansive mammalian literature, briefly discuss potential developmental stage dependent biological mechanisms alcohol alters, and review some of the disadvantages of mammalian systems versus the zebrafish. We stress that the temporal control of alcohol administration in the externally developing zebrafish gives unprecedented precision and is a major advantage of this species over other model organisms employed so far. We also emphasize that the zebrafish is well suited for high throughput screening and will allow systematic exploration of embryonic-stage dependent alcohol effects via mutagenesis and drug screens.
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Zebrafish in the analysis of the milder and more prevalent form of the disease. Behav Brain Res 2017; 352:125-132. [PMID: 28988969 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) represent a large unmet medical need. Exposure of the developing human embryo to alcohol can lead to life-long suffering. Despite the well documented deleterious effects of alcohol on the developing fetus, pregnant women continue to drink alcohol, and FASD remains the leading cause of preventable mental retardation and other behavioral abnormalities. Particularly prevalent are the milder forms of the disease cluster, representing children who do not show obvious physical signs and who may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. To develop treatment and diagnostic tools, researchers have turned to animal models. The zebrafish is becoming one of the leading biomedical research organisms that may facilitate discovery of the biological mechanisms underlying this disease and the identification of biomarkers that may be used for diagnosis. Here we review the latest advances of this field, mostly focussing on the discoveries made in our own laboratory and others with zebrafish employed to analyze the effects of moderate to low level of exposure to alcohol. We argue that the zebrafish represents unique advantages, and adding information obtained with this species to the mix of other animal models will significantly increase translational relevance of animal biomedical research for the analysis of human FASD.
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Zoral MA, Futami K, Endo M, Maita M, Katagiri T. Anthelmintic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis against Dactylogyrus minutus (Monogenea) infections in Cyprinus carpio. Vet Parasitol 2017; 247:1-6. [PMID: 29080753 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Monogenean parasites are important ectoparasites of fish, and are responsible for severe economic impacts in the aquaculture industry. They are usually treated with chemicals, but the chemicals can have harmful side effects in the fish and may pose threats to human health. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a common medicinal herb, with antimicrobial and antitumor properties. Here, we examined the anthelmintic activity of rosemary extract against the monogenean (Dactylogyrus minutus) in vitro and in vivo using bath treatment and oral administration. The in vitro experiments showed that parasite survival was affected by both rosemary extract concentration and the solvent (water and ethanol). Parasites were dead at 61.8±5.6 and 7.8±1.4min when exposed to 100 and 200g aqueous rosemary extract solution/L of water respectively. It took 166.7±48.2 and 5.4±1.01min to kill the parasites when exposed to 1 and 32g ethanol rosemary extract solution/L of water respectively. Moreover, pure component of rosemary extract obtained commercially used in in vitro experiments showed that 1,8-Cineole was the most toxic component of the main components tested. Parasite intensity and prevalence in fish exposed to 50 and 100g aqueous rosemary solution/L water for 30min were significantly lower than they were in controls (p<0.05). In oral treatment experiments, diets of Cyprinus carpio were supplemented with eight different concentrations of aqueous rosemary extract. The intensity of parasites was significantly less in fish fed for 30days with feed containing 60, 80 and 100ml aqueous extract/100g feed than in control (p<0.05). Together these results indicate that rosemary is a promising candidate for prevention and control of monogenean infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Zoral
- Laboratory of Fish Health Management, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
| | - K Futami
- Laboratory of Fish Health Management, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - M Endo
- Laboratory of Fish Health Management, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - M Maita
- Laboratory of Fish Health Management, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan
| | - T Katagiri
- Laboratory of Fish Health Management, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, 4-5-7 Konan, Minato, Tokyo 108-8477, Japan.
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Abstract
Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug taking despite negative consequences. Alcohol abuse and addiction have major social and economic consequences and cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently available therapeutics are inadequate, outlining the need for alternative treatments. Detailed knowledge of the neurocircuitry and brain chemistry responsible for aberrant behavior patterns should enable the development of novel pharmacotherapies to treat addiction. Therefore it is important to expand our knowledge and understanding of the neural pathways and mechanisms involved in alcohol seeking and abuse. The orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system is an attractive target, given the recent FDA and PMDA approval of suvorexant for the treatment of insomnia. Orexin is synthesized exclusively in neurons located in the lateral (LH), perifornical (PEF), and dorsal medial (DMH) hypothalamus. These neurons project widely throughout the neuraxis with regulatory roles in a wide range of behavioral and physiological responses, including sleep-wake cycle neuroendocrine regulation, anxiety, feeding behavior, and reward seeking. Here we summarize the literature to date, which have evaluated the interplay between alcohol and the orexin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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25
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Barson JR, Leibowitz SF. Orexin/Hypocretin System: Role in Food and Drug Overconsumption. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 136:199-237. [PMID: 29056152 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide orexin/hypocretin (OX), while largely transcribed within the hypothalamus, is released throughout the brain to affect complex behaviors. Primarily through the hypothalamus itself, OX homeostatically regulates adaptive behaviors needed for survival, including food intake, sleep-wake regulation, mating, and maternal behavior. However, through extrahypothalamic limbic brain regions, OX promotes seeking and intake of rewarding substances of abuse, like palatable food, alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine. This neuropeptide, in turn, is stimulated by the intake of or early life exposure to these substances, forming a nonhomeostatic, positive feedback loop. The specific OX receptor involved in these behaviors, whether adaptive behavior or substance seeking and intake, is dependent on the particular brain region that contributes to them. Thus, we propose that, while the primary function of OX is to maintain arousal for the performance of adaptive behaviors, this neuropeptide system is readily co-opted by rewarding substances that involve positive feedback, ultimately promoting their abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Barson
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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26
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Tran S, Chow H, Tsang B, Facciol A, Gandhi P, Desai P, Gerlai R. Zebrafish Are Able to Detect Ethanol in Their Environment. Zebrafish 2017; 14:126-132. [DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2016.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tran
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hayden Chow
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Benjamin Tsang
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Amanda Facciol
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Prabhlene Gandhi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Priyanka Desai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada
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27
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Role of Lateral Hypothalamic Orexin (Hypocretin) Neurons in Alcohol Use and Abuse: Recent Advances. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40495-016-0069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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28
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Tran S, Facciol A, Gerlai R. Home tank water versus novel water differentially affect alcohol-induced locomotor activity and anxiety related behaviours in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 144:13-9. [PMID: 26921455 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish may be uniquely well suited for studying alcohol's mechanisms of action in vivo, since alcohol can be administered via immersion in a non-invasive manner. Despite the robust behavioural effects of alcohol administration in mammals, studies reporting the locomotor stimulant and anxiolytic effects of alcohol in zebrafish have been inconsistent. In the current study, we examined whether differences in the type of water used for alcohol exposure and behavioural testing contribute to these inconsistencies. To answer this question, we exposed zebrafish to either home water from their housing tanks or novel water from an isolated reservoir (i.e. water lacking zebrafish chemosensory and olfactory cues) with 0% or 1% v/v alcohol for 30 min, a 2 × 2 between subject experimental designs. Behavioural responses were quantified throughout the 30-minute exposure session via a video tracking system. Although control zebrafish exposed to home water and novel water were virtually indistinguishable in their behavioural responses, alcohol's effect on locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavioural responses were dependent on the type of water used for testing. Alcohol exposure in home tank water produced a mild anxiolytic and locomotor stimulant effect, whereas alcohol exposure in novel water produced an anxiogenic effect without altering locomotor activity. These results represent a dissociation between alcohol's effects on locomotor and anxiety related responses, and also illustrate how environmental factors, in this case familiarity with the water, may interact with such effects. In light of these findings, we urge researchers to explicitly state the type of water used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Tran
- University of Toronto, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Canada.
| | - Amanda Facciol
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | - Robert Gerlai
- University of Toronto, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, Canada; University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, Canada.
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