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Messina A, Sovrano VA, Baratti G, Musa A, Gobbo A, Adiletta A, Sgadò P. Valproic acid exposure affects social visual lateralization and asymmetric gene expression in zebrafish larvae. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4474. [PMID: 38395997 PMCID: PMC10891151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54356-7] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral asymmetry is critical for typical brain function and development; at the same time, altered brain lateralization seems to be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Zebrafish are increasingly emerging as model species to study brain lateralization, using asymmetric development of the habenula, a phylogenetically old brain structure associated with social and emotional processing, to investigate the relationship between brain asymmetry and social behavior. We exposed 5-h post-fertilization zebrafish embryos to valproic acid (VPA), a compound used to model the core signs of ASD in many vertebrate species, and assessed social interaction, visual lateralization and gene expression in the thalamus and the telencephalon. VPA-exposed zebrafish exhibit social deficits and a deconstruction of social visual laterality to the mirror. We also observe changes in the asymmetric expression of the epithalamic marker leftover and in the size of the dorsolateral part of the habenula in adult zebrafish. Our data indicate that VPA exposure neutralizes the animals' visual field bias, with a complete loss of the left-eye use bias in front of their own mirror image, and alters brain asymmetric gene expression and morphology, opening new perspectives to investigate brain lateralization and its link to atypical social cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Messina
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Valeria Anna Sovrano
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
| | - Greta Baratti
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Alessia Musa
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gobbo
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Alice Adiletta
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy.
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2
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do Nascimento BG, Maximino C. Social investigation and social novelty in zebrafish: Roles of salience and novelty. Behav Processes 2023:104903. [PMID: 37286113 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104903] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Social preference tests can be used to analyze variables that influence and modify social behaviors, and to investigate effects of substances such as medications, drugs, and hormones. They may become important tools for finding a valid model to study neuropsychiatric changes and to study human neurodevelopmental processes that have been impaired by social events. While a preference for conspecifics has been shown for different species, social novelty has been used as a model for anxiety-like behavior in rodents. The goal of this research was to understand the roles of stimulus salience (numerousness) and novelty in social investigation and social novelty tests in zebrafish (Danio rerio Hamilton 1822). We used a sequential design, in which animals are exposed first to a social investigation test (with dichotomous presentation of novel conspecifics vs. empty tank) and then to a social novelty test (with dichotomous presentation of the already known conspecific and a novel conspecific). In experiment 1, animals were presented to either 1 or 3 (vs. an empty tank) conspecifics as stimuli. In experiment 2, animals were presented to 1 vs. 3 conspecifics as stimuli. In experiment 3, animals were observed in the social investigation and social novelty tests for 3 consecutive days. The results showed equivalence between 1 or 3 conspecifics in the social investigation and social novelty tests, although animals were able to discriminate between different shoal sizes. These preferences do not change with repeated test exposure, suggesting novelty to be a minor contributor to social investigation and social novelty in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Gomes do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil
| | - Caio Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurociências e Comportamento, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá/PA, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Comportamento, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém/PA, Brazil; Rede de Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Amazônia Legal, Brazil
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3
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Assessing Anti-Social and Aggressive Behavior in a Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Model of Parkinson's Disease Chronically Exposed to Rotenone. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070898. [PMID: 35884705 PMCID: PMC9313068 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rotenone (ROT) is currently being used in various research fields, especially neuroscience. Separated from other neurotoxins, ROT induces a Parkinson’s disease (PD)-related phenotype that mimics the associated clinical spectrum by directly entering the central nervous system (CNS). It easily crosses through the blood−brain barrier (BBB) and accumulates in mitochondria. Unfortunately, most of the existing data focus on locomotion. This is why the present study aimed to bring novel evidence on how ROT alone or in combination with different potential ant(agonists) might influence the social and aggressive behavior using the counterclockwise rotation as a neurological pointer. Material and Methods: Thus, we exposed zebrafish to ROT—2.5 µg/L, valproic acid (VPA)—0.5 mg/mL, anti-parkinsonian drugs (LEV/CARB)—250 mg + 25 mg, and probiotics (PROBIO)—3 g for 32 days by assessing the anti-social profile and mirror tests and counterclockwise rotation every 4 days to avoid chronic stress. Results: We observed an abnormal pattern in the counterclockwise rotation only in the (a) CONTROL, (c) LEV/CARB, and (d) PROBIO groups, from both the top and side views, this indicating a reaction to medication and supplements administered or a normal intrinsic feature due to high levels of stress/anxiety (p < 0.05). Four out of eight studied groups—(b) VPA, (c) LEV/CARB, (e) ROT, and (f) ROT + VPA—displayed an impaired, often antithetical behavior demonstrated by long periods of time on distinct days spent on the right and the central arm (p < 0.05, 0.005, and 0.0005). Interestingly, groups (d) PROBIO, (g) ROT + LEV/CARB, and (h) ROT + PROBIO registered fluctuations but not significant ones in contrast with the above groups (p > 0.05). Except for groups (a) CONTROL and (d) PROBIO, where a normalized trend in terms of behavior was noted, the rest of the experimental groups exhibited exacerbated levels of aggression (p < 0.05, 0.005, and 0.001) not only near the mirror but as an overall reaction (p < 0.05, 0.005, and 0.001). Conclusions: The (d) PROBIO group showed a significant improvement compared with (b) VPA, (c) LEV/CARB, and ROT-treated zebrafish (e−h). Independently of the aggressive-like reactions and fluctuations among the testing day(s) and groups, ROT disrupted the social behavior, while VPA promoted a specific typology in contrast with LEV/CARB.
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Joseph TP, Zhou F, Sai LY, Chen H, Lin SL, Schachner M. Duloxetine ameliorates valproic acid-induced hyperactivity, anxiety-like behavior, and social interaction deficits in zebrafish. Autism Res 2022; 15:27-41. [PMID: 34605202 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. Currently available therapeutic agents against ASD have limited efficacy. Thus, searching for novel and effective drugs ameliorating core symptoms, in particular social deficits, is of utmost importance. Duloxetine (DLX), an antidepressant that has been identified as an agonist mimetic for the cell adhesion molecule L1, exhibits beneficial functions in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we focused on the rapid and persistent neuroprotective function of DLX following valproic acid (VPA)-triggered hyperactivity, anxiety-like behavior and social deficits in zebrafish. Embryonic exposure to VPA reduced survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner, delayed hatching, and also resulted in a significant number of malformed larvae. After initial dose-response experiments in zebrafish larvae, 10 μM VPA exposure between 0.33 and 4.5 days post fertilization (dpf) was identified as an effective concentration that led to an early and persistent ASD-like phenotype in zebrafish. ASD-like elevated acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and reduced Akt-mTOR signaling was observed in zebrafish whole brain. Acute administration of DLX (4.5-6 dpf) reduced the VPA-induced ASD-like phenotype in zebrafish larvae. Additionally, such early-life acute DLX treatment had long-term effects in ameliorating social impairments, hyperactivity, and anxiety-like behaviors through adulthood. This was accompanied by reduced AChE activity and by normalized Akt-mTOR signaling. Overall, DLX treatment showed a long-term therapeutic effect on autistic-like behaviors, and alteration of AChE activity and Akt-mTOR signaling were identified as crucial in the VPA-induced ASD zebrafish model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fang Zhou
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Liu Yang Sai
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Stanley Li Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Center of Neuroscience, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Naderi M, Puar P, JavadiEsfahani R, Kwong RWM. Early developmental exposure to bisphenol A and bisphenol S disrupts socio-cognitive function, isotocin equilibrium, and excitation-inhibition balance in developing zebrafish. Neurotoxicology 2021; 88:144-154. [PMID: 34808222 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system and excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance in synaptic transmission and neural circuits are common hallmarks of various neurodevelopmental disorders. Several experimental and epidemiological studies have shown that perinatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) may contribute to a range of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the effects of BPA and BPS on social-cognitive development and the associated mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we explored the impacts of early developmental exposure (2hpf-5dpf) to environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA, and its analog BPS (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 μM), on anxiety, social behaviors, and memory performance in 21 dpf zebrafish larvae. Our results revealed that early-life exposure to low concentrations of BPA and BPS elevated anxiety-like behavior, while fish exposed to higher concentrations of these chemicals displayed social deficits and impaired object recognition memory. Additionally, we found that co-exposure with an aromatase inhibitor antagonized BPA- and BPS-induced effects on anxiety levels and social behaviors, while the co-exposure to an estrogen receptor antagonist restored recognition memory in zebrafish larvae. These results indicate that BPA and BPS may affect social-cognitive function through distinct mechanisms. On the other hand, exposure to low BPA/BPS concentrations increased both the mRNA and protein levels of isotocin (zebrafish oxytocin) in the zebrafish brain, whereas a reduction in its mRNA level was observed at higher concentrations. Further, alterations in the transcript abundance of chloride transporters, and molecular markers of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamatergic systems, were observed in the zebrafish brain, suggesting possible E/I imbalance following BPA or BPS exposure. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate that early-life exposure to low concentrations of the environmental contaminants BPA and BPS can interfere with the isotocinergic signaling pathway and disrupts the establishment of E/I balance in the developing brain, subsequently leading to the onset of a suite of behavioral deficits and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Naderi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Pankaj Puar
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | - Raymond W M Kwong
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
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Cho SJ, Park E, Baker A, Reid AY. Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in Zebrafish Is Drug-Resistant and Impairs Cognitive Function. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:3174-3183. [PMID: 34409844 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0156] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is acquired epilepsy after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications (ASMs), there is no way at present to prevent epileptogenesis in TBI survivors, and many cases of PTE become drug-resistant. Importantly, the adverse effects of ASMs can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Mammalian models are commonly used for studying refractory PTE, but are expensive and laborious. Zebrafish models have become popular for studying epilepsy, but most focus on larvae, and there have been no reports to date of pharmacological screening in an adult zebrafish model of acquired epilepsy. Valid animal models are critical for understanding PTE and for developing novel therapeutics. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cognitive impairments of a zebrafish model of TBI that leads to the development of PTE. Using combined behavioral and electrophysiological approaches, we also characterized the pharmacological effects of the most commonly used ASMs to manage PTE (valproate, carbamazepine, and phenytoin). Zebrafish with PTE exhibited impairments in learning and memory, difficulty in decision making, and reduced social preference. Valproate and carbamazepine had a limited protective effect against behavioral seizures, and all three drugs failed to significantly reduce electrographical seizures. The negative impacts of TBI and ASMs in zebrafish parallel those observed in other animals, making the zebrafish model of PTE a promising high-throughput model of refractory and drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Joon Cho
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, Departments of University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eugene Park
- Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Anesthesia and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aylin Y Reid
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Banono NS, Gawel K, De Witte L, Esguerra CV. Zebrafish Larvae Carrying a Splice Variant Mutation in cacna1d: A New Model for Schizophrenia-Like Behaviours? Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:877-894. [PMID: 33057948 PMCID: PMC7843589 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Persons with certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CACNA1D gene (encoding voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha 1-D) have increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as bipolar, schizophrenia and autism. The molecular consequences of SNPs on gene expression and protein function are not well understood. Thus, the use of animal models to determine genotype-phenotype correlations is critical to understanding disease pathogenesis. Here, we describe the behavioural changes in larval zebrafish carrying an essential splice site mutation (sa17298) in cacna1da. Heterozygous mutation resulted in 50% reduction of splice variants 201 and 202 (haploinsufficiency), while homozygosity increased transcript levels of variant 201 above wild type (WT; gain-of-function, GOF). Due to low homozygote viability, we focused primarily on performing the phenotypic analysis on heterozygotes. Indeed, cacna1dasa17298/WT larvae displayed hyperlocomotion-a behaviour characterised in zebrafish as a surrogate phenotype for epilepsy, anxiety or psychosis-like behaviour. Follow-up tests ruled out anxiety or seizures, however, as neither thigmotaxis defects nor epileptiform-like discharges in larval brains were observed. We therefore focused on testing for potential "psychosis-like" behaviour by assaying cacna1dasa17298/WT larval locomotor activity under constant light, during light-dark transition and in startle response to dark flashes. Furthermore, exposure of larvae to the antipsychotics, risperidone and haloperidol reversed cacna1da-induced hyperactivity to WT levels while valproate decreased but did not reverse hyperactivity. Together, these findings demonstrate that cacna1da haploinsufficiency induces behaviours in larval zebrafish analogous to those observed in rodent models of psychosis. Future studies on homozygous mutants will determine how cacna1d GOF alters behaviour in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Saana Banono
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Linus De Witte
- Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, AP Hogeschool Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway.
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Sem Sælandsvei 24, 0371, Oslo, Norway.
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Pieróg M, Socała K, Doboszewska U, Wyska E, Guz L, Szopa A, Serefko A, Poleszak E, Wlaź P. Effects of classic antiseizure drugs on seizure activity and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 415:115429. [PMID: 33524447 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish is extensively used as a model organism for studying several disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), including epilepsy. Some antiseizure drugs (ASDs) have been shown to produce discrepant results in larvae and adults zebrafish, therefore, their anticonvulsant efficacy in subsequent stages of the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures should be more precisely characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate behavioral effects of five classic ASDs: valproate (VPA), phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), diazepam (DZP), and phenobarbital (PB) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in the PTZ-induced seizure test in adult zebrafish. We determined the time of maximal effect and the dose-response relationship of the studied ASDs. Furthermore, we assessed changes in the locomotor activity and the anxiety-like behavior in the color preference test. Moreover, drug concentrations in zebrafish homogenates were examined. VPA, DZP, and PB significantly increased the seizure latency at three subsequent stages of seizures (SI-SIII). PHT produced the anticonvulsant-like effect at SI and SII, while CBZ was effective at SII and SIII. Only DZP decreased zebrafish locomotor activity. A strong anxiolytic-like effect was observed after administration of PHT and PB. A weak anxiolytic-like effect occurred after treatment with VPA and DZP. The HPLC analysis showed the average concentrations of the studied ASDs in the fish body during the maximum anticonvulsant activity of each drug. Our results confirm the advantages of using zebrafish with the mature CNS over larval models and its utility to investigate some neuropharmacological properties of the tested drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pieróg
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Wyska
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Leszek Guz
- Department of Fish Diseases and Biology, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Ogi A, Licitra R, Naef V, Marchese M, Fronte B, Gazzano A, Santorelli FM. Social Preference Tests in Zebrafish: A Systematic Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:590057. [PMID: 33553276 PMCID: PMC7862119 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.590057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animal models in biology research continues to be necessary for the development of new technologies and medicines, and therefore crucial for enhancing human and animal health. In this context, the need to ensure the compliance of research with the principles Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3 Rs), which underpin the ethical and human approach to husbandry and experimental design, has become a central issue. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is becoming a widely used model in the field of behavioral neuroscience. In particular, studying zebrafish social preference, by observing how an individual fish interacts with conspecifics, may offer insights into several neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The main aim of this review is to summarize principal factors affecting zebrafish behavior during social preference tests. We identified three categories of social research using zebrafish: studies carried out in untreated wild-type zebrafish, in pharmacologically treated wild-type zebrafish, and in genetically engineered fish. We suggest guidelines for standardizing social preference testing in the zebrafish model. The main advances gleaned from zebrafish social behavior testing are discussed, together with the relevance of this method to scientific research, including the study of behavioral disorders in humans. The authors stress the importance of adopting an ethical approach that considers the welfare of animals involved in experimental procedures. Ensuring a high standard of animal welfare is not only good for the animals, but also enhances the quality of our science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asahi Ogi
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosario Licitra
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Naef
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Marchese
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Gazzano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo M Santorelli
- Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
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Messina A, Boiti A, Sovrano VA, Sgadò P. Micromolar Valproic Acid Doses Preserve Survival and Induce Molecular Alterations in Neurodevelopmental Genes in Two Strains of Zebrafish Larvae. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101364. [PMID: 32987891 PMCID: PMC7601180 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a genetically heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by a multifaceted range of impairments and multifactorial etiology. Epidemiological studies have identified valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy, as an environmental factor for ASDs. Based on these observations, studies using embryonic exposure to VPA have been conducted in many vertebrate species to model ASD. The zebrafish is emerging as a popular model in biomedical research to study the molecular pathways involved in nervous system disorders. VPA exposure in zebrafish larvae has been shown to produce a plethora of effects on social, motor and anxiety behavior, and several genetic pathways altered by VPA have been described. However, the doses and regimen of administration reported in the literature are very heterogenous, creating contradictory results and posing serious limits to the interpretation of VPA action on neurodevelopment. To shed light on the toxic effect of VPA, we tested micromolar concentrations of VPA, using exposure for 24 and 48 h in two different zebrafish strains. Our results show that micromolar doses of VPA mildly affect embryo survival but are sufficient to induce molecular alterations in neurodevelopmental genes previously shown to be influenced by VPA, with substantial differences between strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Messina
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.S.); Tel.: +39-0461-808961 (P.S.)
| | - Alessandra Boiti
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
| | - Valeria Anna Sovrano
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; (A.B.); (V.A.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.S.); Tel.: +39-0461-808961 (P.S.)
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11
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Li T, Li F, Lin J, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Sun Y, Chen X, Xu M, Wang X, Li Q. Deletion of c16orf45 in zebrafish results in a low fertilization rate and increased thigmotaxis. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:1003-1010. [PMID: 32421859 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21984] [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: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
c16orf45 is located at 16p13.11, an important locus related to neurodevelopmental diseases. Clinical studies have demonstrated that c16orf45 is associated with various neurodevelopmental diseases. To further elucidate the effect of c16orf45 on neural development, we constructed a zebrafish model with a stably inherited c16orf45 deletion via CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We found that deletion of c16orf45 significantly reduced the zebrafish fertilization rate, and both females and males showed reduced fertility. Meanwhile, the homozygous c16orf45 knockout zebrafish showed a developmental delay at 24 hr postfertilization (hpf). However, morphological changes were not apparent after 2 days postfertilization (dpf). Notably, the results of behavioral experiments revealed increased thigmotaxis in c16orf45- / - zebrafish at 2 months. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that c16orf45 plays an important role in nervous system and reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Li
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Lin
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinglan Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhe Sun
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xudong Chen
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqing Xu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Metabolism Laboratory, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Translational Medical Center for Developmental and Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Win-Shwe TT, Nway NC, Imai M, Lwin TT, Mar O, Watanabe H. Social behavior, neuroimmune markers and glutamic acid decarboxylase levels in a rat model of valproic acid-induced autism. J Toxicol Sci 2018; 43:631-643. [PMID: 30404997 DOI: 10.2131/jts.43.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social communication and social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. The etiology of autism remains unknown and its molecular basis is not yet well understood. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were administered 600 mg/kg of valproic acid (VPA) by intraperitoneal injection on day 12.5 of gestation. Both 11- to 13-week-old male and female rat models of VPA-induced autism showed impaired sociability and impaired preference for social novelty as compared to the corresponding control SD rats. Significantly reduced mRNA expressions of social behavior-related genes, such as those encoding the serotonin receptor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuroligin3, and significantly increased expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 β and tumor necrosis factor-α, were noted in the hippocampi of both male and female rats exposed to VPA in utero. The hippocampal expression level of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) 67 protein was reduced in both male and female VPA-exposed rats as compared to the corresponding control animals. Our results indicate that developmental exposure to VPA affects the social behavior in rats by modulating the expression levels of social behavior-related genes and inflammatory mediators accompanied with changes in GABA enzyme in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Motoki Imai
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Japan
| | - Thet-Thet Lwin
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Japan
| | - Ohn Mar
- University of Medicine 1, Myanmar
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13
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Sgadò P, Rosa-Salva O, Versace E, Vallortigara G. Embryonic Exposure to Valproic Acid Impairs Social Predispositions of Newly-Hatched Chicks. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5919. [PMID: 29650996 PMCID: PMC5897402 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24202-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological predispositions to attend to visual cues, such as those associated with face-like stimuli or with biological motion, guide social behavior from the first moments of life and have been documented in human neonates, infant monkeys and domestic chicks. Impairments of social predispositions have been recently reported in neonates at high familial risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant associated to increased risk of developing ASD, we modeled ASD behavioral deficits in domestic chicks. We then assessed their spontaneous social predispositions by comparing approach responses to a stimulus containing a face configuration, a stuffed hen, vs. a scrambled version of it. We found that this social predisposition was abolished in VPA-treated chicks, whereas experience-dependent mechanisms associated with filial imprinting were not affected. Our results suggest a specific effect of VPA on the development of biologically-predisposed social orienting mechanisms, opening new perspectives to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms involved in early ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sgadò
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, Rovereto, Italy.
| | - Orsola Rosa-Salva
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Versace
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, Rovereto, Italy.,Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Giorgio Vallortigara
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza della Manifattura 1, Rovereto, Italy
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14
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Baronio D, Puttonen HAJ, Sundvik M, Semenova S, Lehtonen E, Panula P. Embryonic exposure to valproic acid affects the histaminergic system and the social behaviour of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:797-809. [PMID: 29235100 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Histamine modulates several behaviours and physiological functions, and its deficiency is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Gestational intake of valproic acid (VPA) is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by impaired sociability and stereotypies. VPA effects on the neurochemistry and functional morphology of the histaminergic system in ASD are unclear. Zebrafish are highly social, and given the similarities between zebrafish and human neurotransmitter systems, we have studied the effects of VPA on histamine in zebrafish. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Histaminergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems of larval and adult zebrafish exposed to VPA from the end of gastrulation until neural tube formation were studied using HPLC, quantitative PCR, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Sociability, dark-flash response and locomotion were also studied. KEY RESULTS Zebrafish larvae exposed to VPA showed decreased locomotion and an abnormal dark-flash response. Additionally, a reduced number of histaminergic neurons, low histamine and altered mRNA expression of key genes of the monoaminergic systems were also detected. The reduced mRNA expression of genes of the studied systems persisted until adulthood. Furthermore, adult VPA-exposed animals presented lower brain levels of noradrenaline and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, along with impaired sociability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS VPA exposure in early development causes molecular and neurochemical alterations in zebrafish, which persist into adulthood and accompany impaired sociability. These findings will highlight the possible involvement of the histaminergic system in outcomes related to neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, it supports zebrafish as a tool to investigate mechanisms underlying these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Baronio
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri A J Puttonen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Sundvik
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Svetlana Semenova
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi Lehtonen
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Xu DJ, Wang B, Zhao X, Zheng Y, Du JL, Wang YW. General anesthetics protects against cardiac arrest-induced brain injury by inhibiting calcium wave propagation in zebrafish. Mol Brain 2017; 10:44. [PMID: 28870222 PMCID: PMC5583756 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-017-0323-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Although many victims are initially resuscitated, they often suffer from serious brain injury, even leading to a “persistent vegetative state”. Therefore, it is need to explore therapies which restore and protect brain function after cardiac arrest. In the present study, using Tg (HuC:GCaMP5) zebrafish as a model, we found the zebrafish brain generated a burst of Ca2+ wave after cardiac arrest by in vivo time-lapse confocal imaging. The Ca2+ wave was firstly initiated at hindbrain and then sequentially propagated to midbrain and telencephalon, the neuron displayed Ca2+ overload after Ca2+ wave propagation. Consistent with this, our study further demonstrated neuronal apoptosis was increased in cardiac arrest zebrafish by TUNEL staining. The cardiac arrest-induced Ca2+ wave propagation can be prevented by general anesthetics such as midazolam or ketamine pretreatment. Moreover, midazolam or ketamine pretreatment dramatically decreased the neuronal apoptosis and improved the survival rate in CA zebrafish. Taken together, these findings provide the first in vivo evidence that general anesthetics pretreatment protects against cardiac arrest-induced brain injury by inhibiting calcium wave propagation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao-Jie Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kong-Jiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kong-Jiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kong-Jiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kong-Jiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiu-Lin Du
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ying-Wei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 12 Wu lu mu qi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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