Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae
07:06

Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae

Published on: February 5, 2020

BDE 49 and developmental toxicity in zebrafish.

Valerie McClain1, Heather M Stapleton, Fred Tilton

  • 1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, USA.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Toxicology & Pharmacology : CBP
|September 29, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) like BDE 49 are flame retardants. Studies show BDE 49 causes developmental toxicity, including morphological and neurobehavioral impairments in zebrafish larvae.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in tap water and serum in a community near an abandoned paper mill.

Environmental advances·2026
Same author

Polyurethane Foam Wristbands as Personal Passive Samplers of Ambient Particulate Exposures to Lead and Other Metals.

Environmental science & technology·2026
Same author

Assessing Nondietary Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Firefighters Using Silicone Wristbands.

Environment & health (Washington, D.C.)·2026
Same author

Volatile per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other semi-volatile organic chemicals in indoor air of fire stations: the influence of gear storage conditions.

Environmental science. Processes & impacts·2026
Same author

Pesticide Exposure Characterization Among Adult Males in a Chilean Agricultural Community Using Paired Silicone Wristbands and Urine Samples.

Environmental science & technology·2026
Same author

Current Issues Related to Combustion Byproducts & Human Health: A Summary of the 18th International PIC Congress.

Environment & health (Washington, D.C.)·2026

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants with potential human health concerns, particularly reproductive and developmental effects.
  • BDE 49, a specific congener, is frequently detected in wildlife tissues and is a known metabolite of other PBDEs.
  • Limited research exists on the specific biological effects of BDE 49, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the developmental toxicity of BDE 49 in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo larval model.
  • To assess morphological, cardiac, and neurobehavioral effects following BDE 49 exposure.
  • To compare the toxicity profile of BDE 49 with other PBDE congeners.

Main Methods:

  • Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of BDE 49 at 5 or 24 hours post fertilization.

More Related Videos

Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos
07:49

Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: August 25, 2019

Evaluating Toxicity of Chemicals using a Zebrafish Vibration Startle Response Screening System
06:25

Evaluating Toxicity of Chemicals using a Zebrafish Vibration Startle Response Screening System

Published on: January 12, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae
07:06

Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae

Published on: February 5, 2020

Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos
07:49

Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: August 25, 2019

Evaluating Toxicity of Chemicals using a Zebrafish Vibration Startle Response Screening System
06:25

Evaluating Toxicity of Chemicals using a Zebrafish Vibration Startle Response Screening System

Published on: January 12, 2024

  • Developmental endpoints, including survivorship, morphology, heart rate, and neurobehavioral responses, were monitored.
  • Dose-response and time-dependent effects were analyzed.

    • Main Results:

    • BDE 49 exposure resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in zebrafish survivorship.
    • Significant morphological abnormalities, primarily dorsal tail curvatures, were observed.
    • Cardiac toxicity (reduced heart rate) and neurobehavioral deficits (impaired touch-escape response) were noted.

    Conclusions:

    • BDE 49 acts as a developmental toxicant in larval zebrafish, inducing morphological and neurobehavioral harm.
    • The observed toxicities are comparable to those of other PBDE congeners, suggesting shared risks for aquatic species.
    • Further research is warranted to understand the full impact of BDE 49 on environmental and human health.