PUBLICATION

The neurophysiological effects of iron in early life stages of zebrafish

Authors
Hassan, A.T., Kwong, R.W.M.
ID
ZDB-PUB-201202-3
Date
2020
Source
Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)   267: 115625 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
Iron, Metal homeostasis, Neurophysiology, Neurotoxicity, Zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Iron*
  • Larva
  • Manganese
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical*/toxicity
  • Zebrafish
  • Zinc
PubMed
33254686 Full text @ Environ. Pollut.
Abstract
Trace metal/ion homeostasis, neurophysiological performance, and molecular responses to iron (Fe) exposure were investigated in the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio). The findings demonstrated that exposure to a sublethal concentration of ferric iron (Fe3+) increased Fe contents in both the whole body and head region of developing zebrafish. Among the various trace metals and major ion examined, a dysregulation in manganese, zinc, nickel, and calcium balance was also observed in Fe-exposed larvae. Further biochemical assay and in-vivo imaging revealed that Fe exposure resulted in possible oxidative stress-induced damage, and an increased generation of reactive oxygen species in specific regions of the larvae. Using a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology, it was found that the expression levels of various oxidative stress-responsive genes were temporally modulated by Fe exposure. Additionally, Fe-exposed larvae exhibited an impairment in escape response and a decrease in swimming activity. These larvae also appeared to exhibit a reduced anxiety-like behaviour. Together, our research suggested that larvae experiencing an increased Fe loading exhibited a dysregulation in metal homeostasis and a decrease in neurophysiological performance. These results suggested that neurophysiological assessments are sensitive methods to evaluate Fe toxicity in developing fish.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping