Taurine modulates the stress response in zebrafish
Nathana J Mezzomo1, Barbara D Fontana2, Talise E Müller2
1Laboratory of Experimental Neuropsychobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Natural and Exact Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Avenue, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
Hormones and Behavior
|February 12, 2019
Summary
Taurine pretreatment in zebrafish prevented stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and biochemical changes. This highlights taurine's protective role against stress, supporting its neuroprotective potential in vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly used to study stress responses.
- Taurine exhibits anxiolytic-like effects and may prevent stress-related disorders through various mechanisms.
- Potential mechanisms include modulation of GABAA, glycine, and NMDA receptors, alongside antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate taurine's modulation of behavioral and biochemical responses to acute stressors in zebrafish.
- To assess taurine's effects on anxiety/fear-like behaviors and stress-related biochemical markers.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish were pretreated with varying concentrations of taurine (42, 150, 400 mg/L).
- Acute stress was induced using a chemical stressor (conspecific alarm substance) or mechanical stressor (net chasing).
- Behavioral tests (novel tank, light-dark) and biochemical analyses (oxidative stress, cortisol) were performed.
Main Results:
- Taurine pretreatment prevented anxiety/fear-like behaviors in zebrafish exposed to stressors.
- Taurine reduced protein carbonylation in the brain.
- Taurine attenuated the whole-body cortisol response to acute stress.
Conclusions:
- Taurine demonstrates a protective role against stress-induced behavioral and biochemical alterations in zebrafish.
- These findings reinforce the utility of zebrafish as a model for studying taurine's neuroprotective actions.
- Taurine's effects support its potential in mitigating stress-related disorders across vertebrates.
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