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The Three-Chamber Choice Behavioral Task using Zebrafish as a Model System
Published on: April 14, 2021
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Characterization of sickness behavior in zebrafish.
Karina Kirsten1, Suelen Mendonça Soares1, Gessi Koakoski2
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, 1000, Cidade Universitária, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|July 9, 2018
Summary
The immune system can induce behavioral changes. Zebrafish inoculated with bacteria showed reduced activity and social preference, with increased brain inflammation, demonstrating a link between immunity and behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Zebrafish Models
Background:
- Previous research established a link between the immune system and behavior in zebrafish.
- A hypothesis proposed that the immune system actively induces behavioral alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if an induced inflammatory response can cause specific behavioral changes in zebrafish.
- To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of immune-induced behavioral modifications.
Main Methods:
- An inflammatory response was induced in zebrafish via inoculation with formalin-inactivated Aeromonas hydrophila bacterin.
- Social and exploratory behaviors were assessed and compared between inoculated and control groups.
- Gene expression of cytokines and neuronal activity markers in the brain were analyzed post-inoculation.
Main Results:
- Bacterin-inoculated zebrafish exhibited significantly reduced locomotor activity, social preference, and exploratory behavior.
- A notable upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression was observed in the brains of inoculated fish.
- These behavioral changes mirrored sickness behavior commonly seen in mammals.
Conclusions:
- The study provides the first evidence that the immune system can directly cause behavioral changes in zebrafish.
- Findings support the hypothesis that immune system activation leads to observable behavioral modifications.
- This research highlights conserved mechanisms linking immune responses and behavior across species.
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