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Haley JA, Chalasani SH. C. elegans foraging as a model for understanding the neuronal basis of decision-making. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:252. [PMID: 38849591 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05223-1] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Animals have evolved to seek, select, and exploit food sources in their environment. Collectively termed foraging, these ubiquitous behaviors are necessary for animal survival. As a foundation for understanding foraging, behavioral ecologists established early theoretical and mathematical frameworks which have been subsequently refined and supported by field and laboratory studies of foraging animals. These simple models sought to explain how animals decide which strategies to employ when locating food, what food items to consume, and when to explore the environment for new food sources. These foraging decisions involve integration of prior experience with multimodal sensory information about the animal's current environment and internal state. We suggest that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is well-suited for a high-resolution analysis of complex goal-oriented behaviors such as foraging. We focus our discussion on behavioral studies highlighting C. elegans foraging on bacteria and summarize what is known about the underlying neuronal and molecular pathways. Broadly, we suggest that this simple model system can provide a mechanistic understanding of decision-making and present additional avenues for advancing our understanding of complex behavioral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Haley
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Sreekanth H Chalasani
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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2
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Ilyin NP, Nabiullin AD, Kozlova AD, Kupriyanova OV, Shevyrin VA, Gloriozova T, Filimonov D, Lagunin A, Galstyan DS, Kolesnikova TO, Mor MS, Efimova EV, Poroikov V, Yenkoyan KB, de Abreu MS, Demin KA, Kalueff AV. Chronic Behavioral and Neurochemical Effects of Four Novel N-Benzyl-2-phenylethylamine Derivatives Recently Identified as "Psychoactive" in Adult Zebrafish Screens. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2006-2017. [PMID: 38683969 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Potently affecting human and animal brain and behavior, hallucinogenic drugs have recently emerged as potentially promising agents in psychopharmacotherapy. Complementing laboratory rodents, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a powerful model organism for screening neuroactive drugs, including hallucinogens. Here, we tested four novel N-benzyl-2-phenylethylamine (NBPEA) derivatives with 2,4- and 3,4-dimethoxy substitutions in the phenethylamine moiety and the -F, -Cl, and -OCF3 substitutions in the ortho position of the phenyl ring of the N-benzyl moiety (34H-NBF, 34H-NBCl, 24H-NBOMe(F), and 34H-NBOMe(F)), assessing their behavioral and neurochemical effects following chronic 14 day treatment in adult zebrafish. While the novel tank test behavioral data indicate anxiolytic-like effects of 24H-NBOMe(F) and 34H-NBOMe(F), neurochemical analyses reveal reduced brain norepinephrine by all four drugs, and (except 34H-NBCl) - reduced dopamine and serotonin levels. We also found reduced turnover rates for all three brain monoamines but unaltered levels of their respective metabolites. Collectively, these findings further our understanding of complex central behavioral and neurochemical effects of chronically administered novel NBPEAs and highlight the potential of zebrafish as a model for preclinical screening of small psychoactive molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P Ilyin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Arslan D Nabiullin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Anna D Kozlova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Olga V Kupriyanova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
- Kazan State Medical University, Kazan 420012, Russia
| | - Vadim A Shevyrin
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Str. ,Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Tatyana Gloriozova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya str., 10, bldg. 8 ,Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - Dmitry Filimonov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya str., 10, bldg. 8 ,Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - Alexey Lagunin
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya str., 10, bldg. 8 ,Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - David S Galstyan
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Tatiana O Kolesnikova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Mikael S Mor
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Evgeniya V Efimova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Vladimir Poroikov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya str., 10, bldg. 8 ,Moscow 119121, Russia
| | - Konstantin B Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
- Biochemistry Department, Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 900050, Brazil
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
- Neurobiology Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology and Cell Signalling, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215123, China
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3
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Structural environmental enrichment and the way it is offered influence cognitive judgement bias and anxiety-like behaviours in zebrafish. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:563-577. [PMID: 36209454 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01700-x] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment in zebrafish generally reduces anxiety-related behaviours, improves learning in maze trials and increases health and biological fitness. However, certain types of enrichment or certain conditions induce the opposite effects. Therefore, it is essential to study the characteristics of environmental enrichment that modulate these effects. This study aims to investigate if structural environmental enrichment and the way it is offered influence cognitive judgement bias and anxiety-like behaviours in adult zebrafish. The fish were assigned to six housing manipulations: constant barren, constant enrichment, gradual gain of enrichment, gradual loss of enrichment, sudden gain of enrichment and sudden loss of enrichment. We then transposed the cognitive judgment bias paradigm, formerly used in studies on other animals to measure the link between emotion and cognition, to objectively assess the impact of these manipulations on the zebrafish's interpretation of ambiguous stimuli, considering previous experiences and related emotional states. We used two battery tests (light/dark and activity tests), which measured anxiety-related behaviours to check if these tests covariate with cognitive bias results. The fish with a sudden gain in enrichment showed a pessimistic bias (interpreted ambiguous stimuli as negative). In addition, the fish that experienced a sudden gain and a gradual loss in enrichment showed more anxiety-like behaviours than the fish that experienced constant conditions or a gradual gain in enrichment. The data provide some proof that structural environmental enrichment and the way it is presented can alter zebrafish's cognitive bias and anxiety-like behaviours.
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Lee CJ, Paull GC, Tyler CR. Improving zebrafish laboratory welfare and scientific research through understanding their natural history. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1038-1056. [PMID: 34983085 PMCID: PMC9303617 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globally, millions of zebrafish (Danio rerio) are used for scientific laboratory experiments for which researchers have a duty of care, with legal obligations to consider their welfare. Considering the growing use of the zebrafish as a vertebrate model for addressing a diverse range of scientific questions, optimising their laboratory conditions is of major importance for both welfare and improving scientific research. However, most guidelines for the care and breeding of zebrafish for research are concerned primarily with maximising production and minimising costs and pay little attention to the effects on welfare of the environments in which the fish are maintained, or how those conditions affect their scientific research. Here we review the physical and social conditions in which laboratory zebrafish are kept, identifying and drawing attention to factors likely to affect their welfare and experimental science. We also identify a fundamental lack knowledge of how zebrafish interact with many biotic and abiotic features in their natural environment to support ways to optimise zebrafish health and well-being in the laboratory, and in turn the quality of scientific data produced. We advocate that the conditions under which zebrafish are maintained need to become a more integral part of research and that we understand more fully how they influence experimental outcome and in turn interpretations of the data generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole J. Lee
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope BuildingUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDU.K.
| | - Gregory C. Paull
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope BuildingUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDU.K.
| | - Charles R. Tyler
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope BuildingUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDU.K.
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Gatto E, Bruzzone M, Maschio MD, Dadda M. Effects of environmental enrichment on recognition memory in zebrafish larvae. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Buenhombre J, Daza-Cardona EA, Sousa P, Gouveia A. Different influences of anxiety models, environmental enrichment, standard conditions and intraspecies variation (sex, personality and strain) on stress and quality of life in adult and juvenile zebrafish: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:765-791. [PMID: 34592257 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antagonist and long-lasting environmental manipulations (EM) have successfully induced or reduced the stress responses and quality of life of zebrafish. For instance, environmental enrichment (EE) generally reduces anxiety-related behaviours and improves immunity, while unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) and aquarium-related stressors generate the opposite effects. However, there is an absence of consistency in outcomes for some EM, such as acute exposure to stressors, social enrichment and some items of structural enrichment. Therefore, considering intraspecies variation (sex, personality, and strain), increasing intervention complexity while improving standardisation of protocols and contemplating the possibility that EE may act as a mild stressor on a spectrum between too much (UCS) and too little (standard conditions) stress intensity or stimulation, would reduce the inconsistencies of these outcomes. It would also help explore the mechanism behind stress resilience and to standardise EM protocols. Thus, this review critically analyses and compares knowledge existing over the last decade concerning environmental manipulations for zebrafish and the influences that sex, strain, and personality may have on behavioural, physiological, and fitness-related responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon Buenhombre
- ICB Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | | | - Pêssi Sousa
- ICB Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Amauri Gouveia
- ICB Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Correa 01, Belém, PA, Brazil
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7
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Estes JM, Altemara ML, Crim MJ, Fletcher CA, Whitaker JW. Behavioral and Reproductive Effects of Environmental Enrichment and Pseudoloma neurophilia infection on Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021; 60:249-258. [PMID: 33952385 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-20-000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown beneficial effects of environmental enrichment (EE) for zebrafish, while infection of zebrafish with the common pathogen Pseudoloma neurophilia has negative effects. This study investigates the effects of P. neurophilia infection and EE in housing and breeding tanks on measures of behavior, growth, and reproduction. Zebrafish were socially housed and were either infected, P. neurophilia-infected (PNI) (n = 12 tanks), or SPF for P. neurophilia (SPF) (n = 24 tanks). Fish were housed with or without EE, which consisted of placing plastic plants in the tanks; sprigs from plants were placed in half of the breeding tanks for half of breedings, alternating breeding tanks without EE weekly. Behavioral testing included the Novel Tank Diving Test (NTT) and Light/Dark Preference Test (LDT) conducted prior to breeding. At the end of the study, biometric data were collected. Histopathology and molecular analysis for common diseases in fish confirmed that SPF fish remained SPF and that fish from all PNI tanks were infected. PNI fish produced significantly fewer eggs and had lower body weights and lengths than did SPF fish. Fish with EE had longer body lengths, than did fish without EE, and male fish had longer body lengths than female fish. The biometric results and reproductive measures show that SPF fish exhibited better growth and suggest that EE in housing tanks could improve fish growth. The behavioral test results were inconclusive regard- ing whether infection status or EE altered anxiety-like behavior. Our results support other recent studies showing negative effects of P. neurophilia infection on zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M Estes
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina;,
| | - Michelle L Altemara
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Craig A Fletcher
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Julia W Whitaker
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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8
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Karoglu-Eravsar ET, Tuz-Sasik MU, Adams MM. Environmental enrichment applied with sensory components prevents age-related decline in synaptic dynamics: Evidence from the zebrafish model organism. Exp Gerontol 2021; 149:111346. [PMID: 33838219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Progression of cognitive decline with or without neurodegeneration varies among elderly subjects. The main aim of the current study was to illuminate the molecular mechanisms that promote and retain successful aging in the context of factors such as environment and gender, both of which alter the resilience of the aging brain. Environmental enrichment (EE) is one intervention that may lead to the maintenance of cognitive processing at older ages in both humans and animal subjects. EE is easily applied to different model organisms, including zebrafish, which show similar age-related molecular and behavioral changes as humans. Global changes in cellular and synaptic markers with respect to age, gender and 4-weeks of EE applied with sensory stimulation were investigated using the zebrafish model organism. Results indicated that EE increases brain weight in an age-dependent manner without affecting general body parameters like body mass index (BMI). Age-related declines in the presynaptic protein synaptophysin, AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunits and a post-mitotic neuronal marker were observed and short-term EE prevents these changes in aged animals, as well as elevates levels of the inhibitory scaffolding protein, gephyrin. Gender-driven alterations were observed in the levels of the glutamate receptor subunits. Oxidative stress markers were significantly increased in the old animals, while exposure to EE did not alter this pattern. These data suggest that EE with sensory stimulation exerts its effects mainly on age-related changes in synaptic dynamics, which likely increase brain resilience through specific cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Tugce Karoglu-Eravsar
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Psychology, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Melek Umay Tuz-Sasik
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michelle M Adams
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey; Department of Psychology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.
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9
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Stevens CH, Reed BT, Hawkins P. Enrichment for Laboratory Zebrafish-A Review of the Evidence and the Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030698. [PMID: 33807683 PMCID: PMC8001412 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The zebrafish is one of the most commonly used animals in scientific research, but there remains a lack of consensus over good practice for zebrafish housing and care. One such area which lacks agreement is whether laboratory zebrafish should be provided with environmental enrichment—additions or modifications to the basic laboratory environment which aim to improve welfare, such as plastic plants in tanks. The need for the provision of appropriate environmental enrichment has been recognised in other laboratory animal species, but some scientists and animal care staff are hesitant to provide enrichment for zebrafish, arguing that there is little or no evidence that enrichment can benefit zebrafish welfare. This review aims to summarise the current literature on the effects of enrichment on zebrafish physiology, behaviour and welfare, and identifies some forms of enrichment which are likely to benefit zebrafish. It also considers the possible challenges that might be associated with introducing more enrichment, and how these might be addressed. Abstract Good practice for the housing and care of laboratory zebrafish Danio rerio is an increasingly discussed topic, with focus on appropriate water quality parameters, stocking densities, feeding regimes, anaesthesia and analgesia practices, methods of humane killing, and more. One area of current attention is around the provision of environmental enrichment. Enrichment is accepted as an essential requirement for meeting the behavioural needs and improving the welfare of many laboratory animal species, but in general, provision for zebrafish is minimal. Some of those involved in the care and use of zebrafish suggest there is a ‘lack of evidence’ that enrichment has welfare benefits for this species, or cite a belief that zebrafish do not ‘need’ enrichment. Concerns are also sometimes raised around the practical challenges of providing enrichments, or that they may impact on the science being undertaken. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that various forms of enrichment are preferred by zebrafish over a barren tank, and that enriched conditions can improve welfare by reducing stress and anxiety. This review explores the effects that enrichment can have on zebrafish behaviour, physiology and welfare, and considers the challenges to facilities of providing more enrichment for the zebrafish they house.
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Guisnet A, Maitra M, Pradhan S, Hendricks M. A three-dimensional habitat for C. elegans environmental enrichment. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245139. [PMID: 33428657 PMCID: PMC7799825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As we learn more about the importance of gene-environment interactions and the effects of environmental enrichment, it becomes evident that minimalistic laboratory conditions can affect gene expression patterns and behaviors of model organisms. In the laboratory, Caenorhabditis elegans is generally cultured on two-dimensional, homogeneous agar plates abundantly covered with axenic bacteria culture as a food source. However, in the wild, this nematode thrives in rotting fruits and plant stems feeding on bacteria and small eukaryotes. This contrast in habitat complexity suggests that studying C. elegans in enriched laboratory conditions can deepen our understanding of its fundamental traits and behaviors. Here, we developed a protocol to create three-dimensional habitable scaffolds for trans-generational culture of C. elegans in the laboratory. Using decellularization and sterilization of fruit tissue, we created an axenic environment that can be navigated throughout and where the microbial environment can be strictly controlled. C. elegans were maintained over generations on this habitat, and showed a clear behavioral bias for the enriched environment. As an initial assessment of behavioral variations, we found that dauer populations in scaffolds exhibit high-frequency, complex nictation behavior including group towering and jumping behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Guisnet
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Malosree Maitra
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sreeparna Pradhan
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Fontana BD, Müller TE, Cleal M, de Abreu MS, Norton WHJ, Demin KA, Amstislavskaya TG, Petersen EV, Kalueff AV, Parker MO, Rosemberg DB. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio) models to understand the critical role of social interactions in mental health and wellbeing. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 208:101993. [PMID: 33440208 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social behavior represents a beneficial interaction between conspecifics that is critical for maintaining health and wellbeing. Dysfunctional or poor social interaction are associated with increased risk of physical (e.g., vascular) and psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, and substance abuse). Although the impact of negative and positive social interactions is well-studied, their underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Zebrafish have well-characterized social behavior phenotypes, high genetic homology with humans, relative experimental simplicity and the potential for high-throughput screens. Here, we discuss the use of zebrafish as a candidate model organism for studying the fundamental mechanisms underlying social interactions, as well as potential impacts of social isolation on human health and wellbeing. Overall, the growing utility of zebrafish models may improve our understanding of how the presence and absence of social interactions can differentially modulate various molecular and physiological biomarkers, as well as a wide range of other behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK.
| | - Talise E Müller
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Neuropscychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Madeleine Cleal
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Scientific Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Elena V Petersen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Neuroscience and Bioscreening, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Denis B Rosemberg
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Laboratory of Experimental Neuropscychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
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12
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Lieggi C, Kalueff AV, Lawrence C, Collymore C. The Influence of Behavioral, Social, and Environmental Factors on Reproducibility and Replicability in Aquatic Animal Models. ILAR J 2020; 60:270-288. [PMID: 32400880 PMCID: PMC7743897 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilz019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The publication of reproducible, replicable, and translatable data in studies utilizing animal models is a scientific, practical, and ethical necessity. This requires careful planning and execution of experiments and accurate reporting of results. Recognition that numerous developmental, environmental, and test-related factors can affect experimental outcomes is essential for a quality study design. Factors commonly considered when designing studies utilizing aquatic animal species include strain, sex, or age of the animal; water quality; temperature; and acoustic and light conditions. However, in the aquatic environment, it is equally important to consider normal species behavior, group dynamics, stocking density, and environmental complexity, including tank design and structural enrichment. Here, we will outline normal species and social behavior of 2 commonly used aquatic species: zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Xenopus (X. laevis and X. tropicalis). We also provide examples as to how these behaviors and the complexity of the tank environment can influence research results and provide general recommendations to assist with improvement of reproducibility and replicability, particularly as it pertains to behavior and environmental complexity, when utilizing these popular aquatic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lieggi
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China, and Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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13
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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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14
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de Abreu MS, Giacomini ACVV, Genario R, Rech N, Carboni J, Lakstygal AM, Amstislavskaya TG, Demin KA, Leonard BE, Vlok M, Harvey BH, Piato A, Barcellos LJG, Kalueff AV. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches for psychiatric disorders: Re-appraisal and insights from zebrafish models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 193:172928. [PMID: 32289330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute and chronic stressors are common triggers of human mental illnesses. Experimental animal models and their cross-species translation to humans are critical for understanding of the pathogenesis of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches can be efficient in treating these disorders. Here, we analyze human, rodent and zebrafish (Danio rerio) data to compare the impact of non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies of stress-related psychopathologies. Emphasizing the likely synergism and interplay between pharmacological and environmental factors in mitigating daily stress both clinically and in experimental models, we argue that environmental enrichment emerges as a promising complementary therapy for stress-induced disorders across taxa. We also call for a broader use of novel model organisms, such as zebrafish, to study such treatments and their potential interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Genario
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Nathália Rech
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Júlia Carboni
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia; Granov Russian Scientific Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; Institute of Medicine and Psychology, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Brian E Leonard
- University College Galway, Pharmacology Department, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marli Vlok
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Brian H Harvey
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Angelo Piato
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Postgraduate Program in Neurosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo J G Barcellos
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Bio-Experimentation, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.
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15
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Demin KA, Lakstygal AM, Alekseeva PA, Sysoev M, de Abreu MS, Alpyshov ET, Serikuly N, Wang D, Wang M, Tang Z, Yan D, Strekalova TV, Volgin AD, Amstislavskaya TG, Wang J, Song C, Kalueff AV. The role of intraspecies variation in fish neurobehavioral and neuropharmacological phenotypes in aquatic models. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 210:44-55. [PMID: 30822702 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Intraspecies variation is common in both clinical and animal research of various brain disorders. Relatively well-studied in mammals, intraspecies variation in aquatic fish models and its role in their behavioral and pharmacological responses remain poorly understood. Like humans and mammals, fishes show high variance of behavioral and drug-evoked responses, modulated both genetically and environmentally. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a particularly useful model organism tool to access neurobehavioral and drug-evoked responses. Here, we discuss recent findings and the role of the intraspecies variance in neurobehavioral, pharmacological and toxicological studies utilizing zebrafish and other fish models. We also critically evaluate common sources of intraspecies variation and outline potential strategies to improve data reproducibility and translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Demin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anton M Lakstygal
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Granov Russian Research Centre of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina A Alekseeva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maxim Sysoev
- Granov Russian Research Centre of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Murilo S de Abreu
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Nazar Serikuly
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - DongMei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - MengYao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - ZhiChong Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - DongNi Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tatyana V Strekalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology and Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey D Volgin
- Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - JiaJia Wang
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China; Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia; The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA; Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia; ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA; Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia; Granov Russian Research Centre of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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16
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Demin KA, Sysoev M, Chernysh MV, Savva AK, Koshiba M, Wappler-Guzzetta EA, Song C, De Abreu MS, Leonard B, Parker MO, Harvey BH, Tian L, Vasar E, Strekalova T, Amstislavskaya TG, Volgin AD, Alpyshov ET, Wang D, Kalueff AV. Animal models of major depressive disorder and the implications for drug discovery and development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:365-378. [PMID: 30793996 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1575360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression is a highly debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects the global population and causes severe disabilities and suicide. Depression pathogenesis remains poorly understood, and the disorder is often treatment-resistant and recurrent, necessitating the development of novel therapies, models and concepts in this field. Areas covered: Animal models are indispensable for translational biological psychiatry, and markedly advance the study of depression. Novel approaches continuously emerge that may help untangle the disorder heterogeneity and unclear categories of disease classification systems. Some of these approaches include widening the spectrum of model species used for translational research, using a broader range of test paradigms, exploring new pathogenic pathways and biomarkers, and focusing more closely on processes beyond neural cells (e.g. glial, inflammatory and metabolic deficits). Expert opinion: Dividing the core symptoms into easily translatable, evolutionarily conserved phenotypes is an effective way to reevaluate current depression modeling. Conceptually novel approaches based on the endophenotype paradigm, cross-species trait genetics and 'domain interplay concept', as well as using a wider spectrum of model organisms and target systems will enhance experimental modeling of depression and antidepressant drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Demin
- a Institute of Experimental Medicine , Almazov National Medical Research Centre , St. Petersburg , Russia.,b Institute of Translational Biomedicine , St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Maxim Sysoev
- c Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening , Russian Research Center for Radiology and Surgical Technologies , St. Petersburg , Russia.,d Institute of Experimental Medicine , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Maria V Chernysh
- b Institute of Translational Biomedicine , St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | - Anna K Savva
- e Faculty of Biology , St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia
| | | | | | - Cai Song
- h Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition , Guangdong Ocean University , Zhanjiang , China.,i Marine Medicine Development Center, Shenzhen Institute , Guangdong Ocean University , Shenzhen , China
| | - Murilo S De Abreu
- j Bioscience Institute , University of Passo Fundo (UPF) , Passo Fundo , Brazil
| | | | - Matthew O Parker
- l Brain and Behaviour Lab , School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth , Portsmouth , UK
| | - Brian H Harvey
- m Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences , Division of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, North-West University , Potchefstroom , South Africa
| | - Li Tian
- n Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine , University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
| | - Eero Vasar
- n Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine , University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- o Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, and Department of Normal Physiology , Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University , Moscow , Russia.,p Laboratory of Cognitive Dysfunctions , Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology , Moscow , Russia.,q Department of Neuroscience , Maastricht University , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrey D Volgin
- g The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC) , Slidell , LA , USA.,r Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine , Novosibirsk , Russia
| | - Erik T Alpyshov
- s School of Pharmacy , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- s School of Pharmacy , Southwest University , Chongqing , China
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- s School of Pharmacy , Southwest University , Chongqing , China.,t Almazov National Medical Research Centre , St. Petersburg , Russia.,u Ural Federal University , Ekaterinburg , Russia.,v Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies , St. Petersburg , Russia.,w Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Translational Biomedicine , St. Petersburg State University , St. Petersburg , Russia.,x Laboratory of Translational Biopsychiatry , Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine , Novosibirsk , Russia.,y ZENEREI Institute , Slidell , LA , USA.,z The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS), US HQ , New Orleans , LA , USA
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