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Shapouri S, Sharifi A, Folkedal O, Fraser TWK, Vindas MA. Behavioral and neurophysiological effects of buspirone in healthy and depression-like state juvenile salmon. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1285413. [PMID: 38410095 PMCID: PMC10894974 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1285413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A proportion of farmed salmon in seawater show a behaviorally inhibited, growth stunted profile known as a depression-like state (DLS). These DLS fish are characterized by chronically elevated serotonergic signaling and blood plasma cortisol levels and the inability to react further to acute stress, which is suggestive of chronic stress. In this study, we characterize the neuroendocrine profile of growth stunted freshwater parr and confirm that they show a DLS-like neuroendocrine profile with a blunted cortisol response and no serotonergic increase in response to acute stress. Furthermore, we attempted to reverse this DLS-like profile through pharmacological manipulation of the serotonin (5-HT) system with buspirone, an anxiolytic medication that acts as a serotonin receptor agonist (i.e., decreases serotonergic signaling). We found that while buspirone decreases anxiolytic-type behavior in healthy fish, no quantifiable behavioral change was found in DLS-like fish. However, there was a physiological effect of diminished basal serotonergic signaling. This suggests that at the physiological level, buspirone appears to reverse the neuroendocrine DLS profile. With a deeper understanding of what causes DLS profiles and growth stunting in juvenile fish, steps can be taken in terms of husbandry to prevent repeated stressors and the formation of the DLS profile, potentially reducing losses in aquaculture due to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheyda Shapouri
- Biochemistry and Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, Norway
| | - Aziz Sharifi
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Folkedal
- Animal Welfare, Matre Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas W. K. Fraser
- Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Matre Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marco A. Vindas
- Biochemistry and Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, Norway
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2
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Collier AD, Yasmin N, Karatayev O, Abdulai AR, Yu B, Fam M, Campbell S, Leibowitz SF. Embryonic ethanol exposure and optogenetic activation of hypocretin neurons stimulate similar behaviors early in life associated with later alcohol consumption. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3021. [PMID: 38321123 PMCID: PMC10847468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52465-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The initiation of alcohol use early in life is one of the strongest predictors of developing a future alcohol use disorder. Clinical studies have identified specific behaviors during early childhood that predict an increased risk for excess alcohol consumption later in life. These behaviors, including increased hyperactivity, anxiety, novelty-seeking, exploratory behavior, impulsivity, and alcohol-seeking, are similarly stimulated in children and adolescent offspring of mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy. Here we tested larval zebrafish in addition to young pre-weanling rats and found this repertoire of early behaviors along with the overconsumption of alcohol during adolescence to be increased by embryonic ethanol exposure. With hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) neurons known to be stimulated by ethanol and involved in mediating these alcohol-related behaviors, we tested their function in larval zebrafish and found optogenetic activation of Hcrt neurons to stimulate these same early alcohol-related behaviors and later alcohol intake, suggesting that these neurons have an important role in producing these behaviors. Together, these results show zebrafish to be an especially useful animal model for investigating the diverse neuronal systems mediating behavioral changes at young ages that are produced by embryonic ethanol exposure and predict an increased risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Collier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Nushrat Yasmin
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Abdul R Abdulai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Boyi Yu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Milisia Fam
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Samantha Campbell
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Biju A, Ivantsova E, Souders CL, English C, Avidan L, Martyniuk CJ. Exposure to the pharmaceutical buspirone alters locomotor activity, anxiety-related behaviors, and transcripts related to serotonin signaling in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 101:107318. [PMID: 38176600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107318] [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] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Buspirone is a pharmaceutical used to treat general anxiety disorder by acting on the dopaminergic and serotoninergic system. Buspirone, like many human pharmaceuticals, has been detected in municipal wastewater; however, the environmental exposure risks are unknown for this psychoactive compound. We studied the effects of buspirone on the behavior of zebrafish, focusing on locomotor and anxiolytic behavior. We also measured transcripts associated with oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and serotonin signaling to identify potential mechanisms underlying the behavioral changes. Concentrations ranged from environmentally relevant (nM) to physiologically active concentrations typical of human pharmaceuticals (μM). Buspirone treatment did not impact survival, nor did it induce deformities in zebrafish treated for 7 days up to 10 μM. There was a positive relationship between locomotor activity and buspirone concentration in dark periods of the visual motor response test. In the light-dark preference test, both the average time per visit to the dark zone and the percent cumulative duration in the dark zone were increased by 1 μM buspirone. Transcript levels of ache, manf, and mbp were decreased in larvae, while the expression of gap43 was increased following exposure to buspirone, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. There was also reduced expression of serotonin-related genes encoding receptors, transporters, and biosynthesis enzymes (i.e., 5ht1aa, sertb, and tph1a). These data increase understanding of the behavioral and molecular responses in zebrafish following waterborne exposure to neuroactive pharmaceuticals like buspirone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Biju
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Emma Ivantsova
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher L Souders
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Cole English
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Lev Avidan
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; UF Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, USA.
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4
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Johnson AL, Verbitsky R, Hudson J, Dean R, Hamilton TJ. Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115760. [PMID: 37865998 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Terpenes are the most extensive and varied group of naturally occurring compounds mostly found in plants, including cannabis, and have an array of potential therapeutic benefits for pathological conditions. The endocannabinoid system can potently modulate anxiety in humans, rodents, and zebrafish. The 'entourage effect' suggests terpenes may target cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, among others, but this requires further investigation. In this study we first tested for anxiety-altering effects of the predominant 'Super-Class' terpenes, bisabolol (0.001%, 0.0015%, and 0.002%) and terpinolene (TPL; 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), in zebrafish with the open field test. Bisabolol did not have an effect on zebrafish behaviour or locomotion. However, TPL caused a significant increase in time spent in the inner zone and decrease in time spent in the outer zone of the arena indicating an anxiolytic (anxiety decreasing) effect. Next, we assessed whether CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists, rimonabant and AM630 (6-Iodopravadoline) respectively, could eliminate or reduce the anxiolytic effects of TPL (0.1%) and β-caryophyllene (BCP; 4%), another super-class terpene previously shown to be anxiolytic in zebrafish. Rimonabant and AM630 were administered prior to terpene exposure and compared to controls and fish exposed to only the terpenes. AM630, but not rimonabant, eliminated the anxiolytic effects of both BCP and TPL. AM630 modulated locomotion on its own, which was potentiated by terpenes. These findings suggest the behavioural effects of TPL and BCP on zebrafish anxiety-like behaviour are mediated by a selective preference for CB2 receptor sites. Furthermore, the CB2 pathways mediating the anxiolytic response are likely different from those altering locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa L Johnson
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ryan Verbitsky
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - James Hudson
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Rachel Dean
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Trevor J Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University 6-329 City Centre Campus, 10700 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Examining behavioural test sensitivity and locomotor proxies of anxiety-like behaviour in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3768. [PMID: 36882472 PMCID: PMC9992706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29668-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the sensitivity of four anxiety-like behaviour paradigms in zebrafish: the novel tank dive test, shoaling test, light/dark test, and the less common shoal with novel object test. A second goal was to measure the extent to which the main effect measures are related to locomotor behaviours to determine whether swimming velocity and freezing (immobility) are indicative of anxiety-like behaviour. Using the well-established anxiolytic, chlordiazepoxide, we found the novel tank dive to be most sensitive followed by the shoaling test. The light/dark test and shoaling plus novel object test were the least sensitive. A principal component analysis and a correlational analysis also showed the locomotor variables, velocity and immobility, did not predict the anxiety-like behaviours across all behaviour tests.
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Effects of super-class cannabis terpenes beta-caryophyllene and alpha-pinene on zebrafish behavioural biomarkers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17250. [PMID: 36241680 PMCID: PMC9568608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21552-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Terpenes possess a wide range of medicinal properties and are potential therapeutics for a variety of pathological conditions. This study investigated the acute effects of two cannabis terpenes, β-caryophyllene and α-pinene, on zebrafish locomotion, anxiety-like, and boldness behaviour using the open field exploration and novel object approach tests. β-caryophyllene was administered in 0.02%, 0.2%, 2.0%, and 4% doses. α-pinene was administered in 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.1% doses. As α-pinene is a racemic compound, we also tested its (+) and (-) enantiomers to observe any differential effects. β-caryophyllene had only a sedative effect at the highest dose tested. α-pinene had differing dose-dependent effects on anxiety-like and motor variables. Specifically, (+)-α-pinene and (-)-α-pinene had significant effects on anxiety measures, time spent in the thigmotaxis (outer) or center zone, in the open field test, as well as locomotor variables, swimming velocity and immobility. (+ /-)-α-pinene showed only a small effect on the open field test on immobility at the 0.1% dose. This study demonstrates that α-pinene can have a sedative or anxiolytic effect in zebrafish and may have different medicinal properties when isolated into its (+) or (-) enantiomers.
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Razali K, Mohd Nasir MH, Othman N, Doolaanea AA, Kumar J, Nabeel Ibrahim W, Mohamed WMY. Characterization of neurobehavioral pattern in a zebrafish 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced model: A 96-hour behavioral study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274844. [PMID: 36190968 PMCID: PMC9529090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common brain motor disorder, characterized by a substantial loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Motor impairments, such as dyskinesia, bradykinesia, and resting tremors, are the hallmarks of PD. Despite ongoing research, the exact PD pathogenesis remains elusive due to the disease intricacy and difficulty in conducting human studies. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as an ideal model for researching PD pathophysiology. Even though 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) has been used to induce PD in zebrafish, behavioural findings are frequently limited to a single time point (24 hours post-injection). In this sense, we aim to demonstrate the effects of MPTP on zebrafish swimming behaviour at multiple time points. We administered a single dosage of MPTP (200μg/g bw) via intraperitoneal injection (i/p) and assessed the locomotor activity and swimming pattern at 0h, 24h, and 96h post-injection through an open field test. Analysis of the behaviour revealed significant reductions in swimming velocity (cm/s) and distance travelled (cm), concurrent with an increase in freezing maintenance (duration and bouts) in zebrafish injected with MPTP. In addition, the MPTP-injected zebrafish exhibited complex swimming patterns, as measured by the turn angle, meander, and angular velocity, and showed abnormal swimming phenotypes, including freezing, looping, and erratic movement. To conclude, MPTP administration into adult zebrafish induced hypolocomotion and elicited motor incoordination. Plus, the effects of MPTP were observable 24 hours after the injection and still detectable 96 hours later. These findings contribute to the understanding of MPTP effects on adult zebrafish, particularly in terms of swimming behaviours, and may pave the way for a better understanding of the establishment of PD animal models in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairiah Razali
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hamzah Mohd Nasir
- Department of Biotechnology, Kulliyyah of Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Noratikah Othman
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Nursing, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Abd Almonem Doolaanea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wael M. Y. Mohamed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Menoufia Medical School, Menoufia University, Shebeen El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Li D, Sun W, Lei H, Li X, Hou L, Wang Y, Chen H, Schlenk D, Ying GG, Mu J, Xie L. Cyclophosphamide alters the behaviors of adult Zebrafish via neurotransmitters and gut microbiota. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 250:106246. [PMID: 35917676 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2022.106246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide, one of the earliest prescribed alkylating anticancer drugs, has been frequently detected in aquatic environments. However, its effects on fish behavior and associated mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, the behaviors, neurochemicals, and gut microbiota of adult zebrafish were investigated after 2 months of exposure to CP at 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 µg/L. Behavioral assays revealed that CP increased locomotion and anxiety, and decreased the cognition of zebrafish. The alteration of neurotransmitters and related gene expressions in the dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid pathways induced by CP may be responsible for the observed changes in locomotion and cognition of adult zebrafish. Meanwhile, CP increased the anxiety of adult zebrafish through the serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine pathways in the brain. In addition, increased abundances of Fusobacteriales, Reyanellales, Staphylococcales, Rhodobacterals, and Patescibateria in the intestine at the CP-50 treatment were observed. The study has demonstrated that CP affects the locomotion, anxiety, and cognition in zebrafish, which might be linked with the dysfunction of neurochemicals in the brain. This study further suggests that the gut-brain axis might interact to modulate fish behaviors upon exposure to CP (maybe other organic pollutants). Further research is warranted to test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Weijun Sun
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haojun Lei
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao Li
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yongzhuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment Change and Resources Use in Beibu Gulf, Nanning Normal University, Ministry of Education, Nanning 530001, China
| | - Hongxing Chen
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
| | - Guang-Guo Ying
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingli Mu
- College of Geography and Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, PR China
| | - Lingtian Xie
- SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Shenoy A, Banerjee M, Upadhya A, Bagwe-Parab S, Kaur G. The Brilliance of the Zebrafish Model: Perception on Behavior and Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:861155. [PMID: 35769627 PMCID: PMC9234549 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.861155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become increasingly prevalent in the elderly population across the world. It’s pathophysiological markers such as overproduction along with the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) are posing a serious challenge to novel drug development processes. A model which simulates the human neurodegenerative mechanism will be beneficial for rapid screening of potential drug candidates. Due to the comparable neurological network with humans, zebrafish has emerged as a promising AD model. This model has been thoroughly validated through research in aspects of neuronal pathways analogous to the human brain. The cholinergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic pathways, which play a role in the manifested behavior of the zebrafish, are well defined. There are several behavioral models in both adult zebrafish and larvae to establish various aspects of cognitive impairment including spatial memory, associative memory, anxiety, and other such features that are manifested in AD. The zebrafish model eliminates the shortcomings of previously recognized mammalian models, in terms of expense, extensive assessment durations, and the complexity of imaging the brain to test the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the various models that analyze the changes in the normal behavioral patterns of the zebrafish when exposed to AD inducing agents. The mechanistic pathway adopted by drugs and novel therapeutic strategies can be explored via these behavioral models and their efficacy to slow the progression of AD can be evaluated.
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