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McAtee D, Abdelmoneim A. A zebrafish-based acoustic motor response (AMR) assay to evaluate chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2024; 103:60-70. [PMID: 38851595 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.06.003] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Behavioral assays using early-developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) offer a valuable supplement to the in vitro battery adopted as new approach methodologies (NAMs) for assessing risk of chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity. However, the behavioral assays primarily adopted rely on visual stimulation to elicit behavioral responses, known as visual motor response (VMR) assays. Ocular deficits resulting from chemical exposures can, therefore, confound the behavioral responses, independent of effects on the nervous system. This highlights the need for complementary assays employing alternative forms of sensory stimulation. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of acoustic stimuli as triggers of behavioral responses in larval zebrafish, determined the most appropriate data acquisition mode, and evaluated the suitability of an acoustic motor response (AMR) assay as means to assess alterations in brain activity and risk of chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity. We quantified the motor responses of 120 h post-fertilization (hpf) larvae to acoustic stimuli with varying patterns and frequencies, and determined the optimal time intervals for data acquisition. Following this, we examined changes in acoustic and visual motor responses resulting from exposures to pharmacological agents known to impact brain activity (pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and tricaine-s (MS-222)). Additionally, we examined the AMR and VMR of larvae following exposure to two environmental contaminants associated with developmental neurotoxicity: arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd). Our findings indicate that exposure to a 100 Hz sound frequency in 100 ms pulses elicits the strongest behavioral response among the acoustic stimuli tested and data acquisition in 2 s time intervals is suitable for response assessment. Exposure to PTZ exaggerated and depressed both AMR and VMR in a concentration-dependent manner, while exposure to MS-222 only depressed them. Similarly, exposure to As and Cd induced respective hyper- and hypo-activation of both motor responses. This study highlights the efficiency of the proposed zebrafish-based AMR assay in demonstrating risk of chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity and its suitability as a complement to the widely adopted VMR assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetrius McAtee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelmoneim
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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Sree Kumar H, Wisner AS, Schiefer IT, Alviter Plata A, Zubcevic J. Chronotropic and vasoactive properties of the gut bacterial short-chain fatty acids in larval zebrafish. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:426-435. [PMID: 38557279 PMCID: PMC11368569 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00013.2024] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the gut bacteria have been associated with cardiovascular dysfunction in humans and rodents. However, studies exploring effects of SCFAs on cardiovascular parameters in the zebrafish, an increasingly popular model in cardiovascular research, remain limited. Here, we performed fecal bacterial 16S sequencing and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the composition and abundance of gut microbiota and SCFAs in adult zebrafish. Following this, the acute effects of major SCFAs on heart rate and vascular tone were measured in anesthetized zebrafish larvae using fecal concentrations of butyrate, acetate, and propionate. Finally, we investigated if coincubation with butyrate may lessen the effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) and phenylephrine (PE) on vascular tone in anesthetized zebrafish larvae. We found that the abundance in Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria phyla in the adult zebrafish resembled those reported in rodents and humans. SCFA levels with highest concentration of acetate (27.43 µM), followed by butyrate (2.19 µM) and propionate (1.65 µM) were observed in the fecal samples of adult zebrafish. Immersion in butyrate and acetate produced a ∼20% decrease in heart rate (HR), respectively, with no observed effects of propionate. Butyrate alone also produced an ∼25% decrease in the cross-sectional width of the dorsal aorta (DA) at 60 min (*P < 0.05), suggesting compensatory vasoconstriction, with no effects of either acetate or propionate. In addition, butyrate significantly alleviated the decrease in DA cross-sectional width produced by both ANG II and PE. We demonstrate the potential for zebrafish in investigation of host-microbiota interactions in cardiovascular health.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We highlight the presence of a core gut microbiota and demonstrate in vivo short-chain fatty acid production in adult zebrafish. In addition, we show cardio-beneficial vasoactive and chronotropic properties of butyrate, and chronotropic properties of acetate in anesthetized zebrafish larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemaa Sree Kumar
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Alexander S Wisner
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
- Center for Drug Design and Development, University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Isaac T Schiefer
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
- Center for Drug Design and Development, University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Adriana Alviter Plata
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Jasenka Zubcevic
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
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Albers J, Mylroie J, Kimble A, Steward C, Chapman K, Wilbanks M, Perkins E, Garcia-Reyero N. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Impacts on Morphology, Behavior and Lipid Levels in Zebrafish Embryos. TOXICS 2024; 12:192. [PMID: 38535925 PMCID: PMC10975676 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12030192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in aquatic environments is often persistent and widespread. Understanding the potential adverse effects from this group of chemicals on aquatic communities allows for better hazard characterization. This study examines impacts on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo physiology, behavior, and lipid levels from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and heptadecafluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Embryos were exposed to lethal and sublethal levels of each chemical and monitored for alterations in physiological malformations, mortality, lipid levels, and behavior (only PFOA and PFHxS). The predicted 50% lethal concentrations for 120 hpf embryos were 528.6 ppm PFOA, 14.28 ppm PFHxS, and 2.14 ppm PFOS. Spine curvature and the inability of the 120 hpf embryos to maintain a dorsal-up orientation was significantly increased at 10.2 ppm PFHxS and 1.9 ppm PFOS exposure. All measured 120 hpf embryo behaviors were significantly altered starting at the lowest levels tested, 188 ppm PFOA and 6.4 ppm PFHxS. Lipid levels decreased at the highest PFAS levels tested (375 PFOA ppm, 14.4 PFHxS ppm, 2.42 ppm PFOS). In general, the PFAS chemicals, at the levels examined in this study, increased morphological deformities, embryo activity, and startle response time, as well as decreased lipid levels in 120 hpf zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Albers
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA
| | - John Mylroie
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA (N.G.-R.)
| | - Ashley Kimble
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA (N.G.-R.)
| | | | - Kacy Chapman
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA
| | - Mitchell Wilbanks
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA (N.G.-R.)
| | - Edward Perkins
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA (N.G.-R.)
| | - Natàlia Garcia-Reyero
- Environmental Laboratory, US Army Engineer Research & Development Center, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA (N.G.-R.)
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Baesso GMM, Venâncio AV, Barca LCV, Peppi PF, Faria CA, Machado JPC, Murgas LDS, Bicudo ÁJDA, Lima EMMD, Barreto-Vianna ARDC. Exploring the effects of eugenol, menthol, and lidocaine as anesthetics on zebrafish glucose homeostasis. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 276:109784. [PMID: 37935341 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely employed as an experimental model in various scientific fields. The investigation of glucose metabolism dysfunctions has gained recent significant prominence. Considering that certain anesthetics may impact glycemic levels, it is imperative to carefully select an anesthetic that does not induce such side effects, thereby mitigating potential adverse influences on research outcomes. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate potential glucose alterations and induction and recovery times resulting from the use of eugenol, menthol and lidocaine as anesthetics in zebrafish. A total of 150 adult male and female zebrafish were divided into ten groups, comprising a control group euthanized by rapid chilling, and three groups anesthetized with low (40 mg/L eugenol, 60 mg/L menthol, 100 mg/L lidocaine), intermediate (60 mg/L eugenol, 90 mg/L menthol, 225 mg/L lidocaine), and high (80 mg/L eugenol, 120 mg/L menthol, 350 mg/L lidocaine) anesthetic concentrations. Glucose levels and induction and recovery times were assessed. The findings reveal that eugenol and menthol did not cause glucose level alterations at any of the investigated concentrations, while lidocaine caused a non-concentration-dependent hyperglycemia. Eugenol and menthol also exhibited similar recovery times at different concentrations, while lidocaine recovery times were concentration-dependent. This study, therefore, concludes that eugenol and menthol are safe and satisfactory anesthetics for use in zebrafish research involving glucose analyses, while lidocaine use can cause biases due to altered glucose levels and safety concerns. Researchers should, therefore, carefully consider anesthetic selection to ensure reliable results in zebrafish assessments.
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Barabási DL, Schuhknecht GFP, Engert F. Functional neuronal circuits emerge in the absence of developmental activity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:364. [PMID: 38191595 PMCID: PMC10774424 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44681-2] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The complex neuronal circuitry of the brain develops from limited information contained in the genome. After the genetic code instructs the birth of neurons, the emergence of brain regions, and the formation of axon tracts, it is believed that temporally structured spiking activity shapes circuits for behavior. Here, we challenge the learning-dominated assumption that spiking activity is required for circuit formation by quantifying its contribution to the development of visually-guided swimming in the larval zebrafish. We found that visual experience had no effect on the emergence of the optomotor response (OMR) in dark-reared zebrafish. We then raised animals while pharmacologically silencing action potentials with the sodium channel blocker tricaine. After washout of the anesthetic, fish could swim and performed with 75-90% accuracy in the OMR paradigm. Brain-wide imaging confirmed that neuronal circuits came 'online' fully tuned, without requiring activity-dependent plasticity. Thus, complex sensory-guided behaviors can emerge through activity-independent developmental mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel L Barabási
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Biophysics Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | - Florian Engert
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Rodwell V, Patil M, Kuht HJ, Neuhauss SCF, Norton WHJ, Thomas MG. Zebrafish Optokinetic Reflex: Minimal Reporting Guidelines and Recommendations. BIOLOGY 2023; 13:4. [PMID: 38275725 PMCID: PMC10813647 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Optokinetic reflex (OKR) assays in zebrafish models are a valuable tool for studying a diverse range of ophthalmological and neurological conditions. Despite its increasing popularity in recent years, there are no clear reporting guidelines for the assay. Following reporting guidelines in research enhances reproducibility, reduces bias, and mitigates underreporting and poor methodologies in published works. To better understand optimal reporting standards for an OKR assay in zebrafish, we performed a systematic literature review exploring the animal, environmental, and technical factors that should be considered. Using search criteria from three online databases, a total of 109 research papers were selected for review. Multiple crucial factors were identified, including larval characteristics, sample size, fixing method, OKR set-up, distance of stimulus, detailed stimulus parameters, eye recording, and eye movement analysis. The outcome of the literature analysis highlighted the insufficient information provided in past research papers and the lack of a systematic way to present the parameters related to each of the experimental factors. To circumvent any future errors and champion robust transparent research, we have created the zebrafish optokinetic (ZOK) reflex minimal reporting guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Rodwell
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Manjiri Patil
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Helen J. Kuht
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | | | - William H. J. Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mervyn G. Thomas
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
- Department of Clinical Genetics, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK
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De la Paz JF, Zambrano NO, Ortiz FC, Llanos-Rivera A. A New Bioassay for the Detection of Paralytic and Amnesic Biotoxins Based on Motor Behavior Impairments of Zebrafish Larvae. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087466. [PMID: 37108629 PMCID: PMC10144378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global concern about the increase of harmful algal bloom events and the possible impacts on food safety and aquatic ecosystems presents the necessity for the development of more accessible techniques for biotoxin detection for screening purposes. Considering the numerous advantages that zebrafish present as a biological model and particularly as a toxicants sentinel, we designed a sensitive and accessible test to determine the activity of paralytic and amnesic biotoxins using zebrafish larvae immersion. The ZebraBioTox bioassay is based on the automated recording of larval locomotor activity using an IR microbeam locomotion detector, and manual assessment of four complementary responses under a simple stereoscope: survival, periocular edema, body balance, and touch response. This 24 h acute static bioassay was set up in 96-well microplates using 5 dpf zebrafish larvae. For paralytic toxins, a significant decrease in locomotor activity and touch response of the larvae was detected, allowing a detection threshold of 0.1-0.2 µg/mL STXeq. In the case of the amnesic toxin the effect was reversed, detecting hyperactivity with a detection threshold of 10 µg/mL domoic acid. We propose that this assay might be used as a complementary tool for environmental safety monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera F De la Paz
- Laboratorio de Embriotoxicología e Interacción Desarrollo Ambiente (LEIDA), Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
- Danio Biotechnologies, SpA, Santiago 8271199, Chile
| | - Nicolás O Zambrano
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
- Danio Biotechnologies, SpA, Santiago 8271199, Chile
| | - Fernando C Ortiz
- Mechanisms of Myelin Formation and Repair Laboratory, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Av. Alameda 3363, Estación Central, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Alejandra Llanos-Rivera
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
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