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Silver nanoparticles affect the neural development of zebrafish embryos
Qi Xin1,2, Jeanette M Rotchell3, Jinping Cheng1,2,4
1State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT
|May 16, 2015
Summary
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can negatively impact zebrafish embryo development, causing neurological and cardiac defects. Their toxicity is linked to higher accumulation in the head region.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Nanomaterial Safety
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are prevalent in consumer products.
- Understanding AgNP environmental impact and toxicity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of AgNPs on early zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo development.
- To assess AgNP uptake and neurodevelopmental impacts.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to two AgNP sizes and Ag+ ions (4-96 hours post-fertilization).
- Evaluated developmental anomalies, gene expression (neural, metallothioneins, ABCC, AhR2, Cyp1A), and AgNP accumulation.
- Analyzed size-dependent uptake and tissue distribution.
Main Results:
- AgNPs caused neurodevelopmental issues (small head, hypoplastic hindbrain, small eye) and cardiac defects.
- Altered expression of neural development genes, metallothioneins, ABCC, AhR2, and Cyp1A.
- Observed size-dependent AgNP uptake (4nm > 10nm) with higher accumulation in the head.
Conclusions:
- AgNPs pose a neurotoxic risk to zebrafish embryos, potentially due to head accumulation.
- Toxicity mechanisms involve altered gene expression and developmental abnormalities.
- Findings suggest broader implications for aquatic organisms.
