Effects of embryonic ethanol exposure (0.5% v/v, from 22–24 hpf) compared to control on alcohol-related behaviors, including locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviors, in larval zebrafish (6 dpf). (a) Bar graph shows that embryonic ethanol exposure compared to control increases locomotor activity in an open-field environment of a 12-well plate, as indicated by increased distance traveled (cm) during a 20-min test. (b) Bar graphs show that ethanol compared to control increases thigmotaxis, an anxiety-like behavior, shown by an increased percent time spent in the perimeter (cm) and number of entries into the perimeter within an open-field environment of a 12-well plate during a 20-min test. Representative activity traces shown in red illustrate the activity of a control and ethanol-exposed zebrafish during the locomotor and thigmotaxis tests, with the white circular outlines illustrating the perimeter zone. (c) Bar graphs show that embryonic ethanol exposure compared to control increases anxiety-like behavior, as indicated by an increased percent time spent in and increased number of entries into the light zone during a 20-min light–dark preference test. Representative activity traces shown in red illustrate the activity of a control and ethanol-exposed zebrafish during the light–dark preference test, with the light zone shown on the left half and dark zone shown on the right half of the well. Under visible light conditions, the dark zone is black in color. Results are shown as means ± standard errors. *p < 0.05, ***p < 0.001, ***p < 0.0001. hpf, hours post fertilization; dpf, days post fertilization.
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