Schematic diagram of VPA exposure in zebrafish embryos. VPA administration started in the first hours post-fertilization and ended after 24 h for Group 2, 48 h for Group 3 and 72 h for Group 4. Time of evaluation and behavioral tests are mentioned.

Architecture of the mazes and the main areas of it for social interaction test (left) and aggression test (right) where GZ = group zone, IZ = individual zone and EZ = empty zone.

The total distance swam by 6-day-old zebrafish larvae recorded during 24 h (n = 30). Group 1, control; Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA; Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA; and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA. The data is represented as average ± SEM. Anova and Tukey post-hoc tests, p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The experimental groups were compared to control group, where **** p < 0.0001.

The average velocity of 6-day-old zebrafish larvae recorded during 24 h (n = 30). Group 1, control; Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA; Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA; and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA. The data is represented as average ± SEM. Anova and Tukey post-hoc tests, p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The experimental groups were compared to control group, where ** p < 0.01; *** p < 0.001 and **** p < 0.0001.

Results of time spent moving parameter (active status) of 6-day-old larvae recorded during 24 h (n = 30). Group 1, control; Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA; Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA; and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA. The data is represented as average ± SEM. Anova and Tukey post-hoc tests, p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The experimental groups were compared to control group, where ** p < 0.01; **** p < 0.0001.

A pentagon depicting the changes in sleep parameters following VPA administration. All parameters are depicted as ratios of Group 1 (set as 1). Group 1, control; Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA; Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA; and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA.

The amount of time spent by zebrafish groups during the social interaction test. Group 1, control (n = 30); Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA (n = 24); Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA (n = 24); and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA (n = 22). The social behavior was measured as the time spent by fish in the close to the group area. The data is represented as average ± SEM. Anova and Tukey post-hoc tests, p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The experimental groups were compared to control group, where * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 and **** p < 0.0001.

The main parameters of locomotor activity during the social interaction test. Group 1, control (n = 30); Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA (n = 24); Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA (n = 24); and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA (n = 22). Active status parameter represents the time spent moving by fish being active and stationary status the time spent in inactivity. The data is represented as average ± SEM. Anova and Tukey post-hoc tests, p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The experimental groups were compared to control group, where * p < 0.05 and *** p < 0.001.

The amount of time spent by zebrafish groups during the aggression test. Group 1, control (n = 30); Group 2, group exposed for 24 h to VPA (n = 24); Group 3, group exposed for 48 h to VPA (n = 24); and Group 4, group exposed for 72 h to VPA (n = 22). The data is represented as average ± SEM. Anova and Tukey post-hoc tests, p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. The experimental groups were compared to control group, where * p < 0.05.