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Zebrafish Larvae as a Model to Evaluate Potential Radiosensitizers or Protectors
Published on: August 25, 2022
Effects of alpha particles on zebrafish embryos
E H W Yum1, V W T Li, V W Y Choi
1Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
Summary
Low-dose alpha particle radiation in zebrafish embryos initially decreased then increased cell death, demonstrating a hormetic effect. This radiation dose response suggests a biphasic impact on biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Radiation biology
- Developmental biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Low-dose radiation effects are complex and not fully understood.
- Zebrafish embryos are a valuable model for studying developmental toxicity.
- Hormesis describes a biphasic dose-response relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of low-dose alpha particle irradiation on zebrafish embryos.
- To characterize the dose-response relationship of alpha particle radiation on cell apoptosis.
- To determine if low-dose alpha particle exposure exhibits hormetic effects.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were dechorionated and irradiated at 1.5 hours post fertilization (hpf) with alpha particles (1.4, 2.8, 5.6, 11.2 mGy).
- Radiation doses were determined using Monte Carlo simulations.
- Apoptotic cells were quantified at 24 hpf using acridine orange staining.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in apoptotic cells was observed at 1.4 mGy compared to controls.
- Apoptotic cell numbers increased almost linearly with doses of 2.8, 5.6, and 11.2 mGy.
- The observed dose-response pattern is characteristic of a hormetic effect.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose alpha particle irradiation can induce a hormetic response in zebrafish embryos.
- The study highlights a biphasic effect of radiation on cellular apoptosis.
- Findings contribute to understanding radiation-induced developmental toxicity and hormesis.
