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Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: August 25, 2019
Multiple toxicity of propineb in developing zebrafish embryos: Neurotoxicity, vascular toxicity, and notochord
Hahyun Park1, Hyekyoung Hannah You1, Gwonhwa Song1
1Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
A dithiocarbamate (DTC) fungicide, propineb, affects thyroid function and exerts immunotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and neurotoxicity in humans. Long-term exposure to propineb is associated with carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, malfunction of the reproductive system, and abnormalities in vital signs during organ development. However, there is no evidence of acute toxicity attributable to propineb in zebrafish. Therefore, in the present study, we assessed the toxicity of propineb in zebrafish by studying its adverse effects on embryo development, angiogenesis, and notochord development. Embryos with propineb exposure developed morphological and physiological defects and in larvae, apoptosis and notochord defects were induced in the early development stage. Transgenic fli1:eGFP zebrafish exposed to propineb showed abnormal larval development with defects in angiogenesis and deformed vasculature. Propineb induced irreversible damage to the neural development of embryos and neurogenic defects in developing zebrafish in transgenic olig2:dsRED zebrafish. These results show that exposure to propineb triggers abnormalities in different organ systems of zebrafish and suggests the physiological complexity of the response to propineb.
Insights
Propineb fungicide causes developmental defects in zebrafish embryos, including issues with blood vessel formation and neural development. This study highlights propineb
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Propineb is a dithiocarbamate fungicide with known human health risks, including thyroid disruption and organ toxicity.
- Long-term propineb exposure is linked to carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and reproductive system malfunction.
- Limited data exists on the acute toxicity of propineb, particularly in aquatic models like zebrafish.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicity of propineb in zebrafish.
- To assess propineb's adverse effects on embryo development, angiogenesis, and notochord formation.
- To evaluate propineb's impact on neural development in zebrafish.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of zebrafish embryos to propineb.
- Observation of morphological and physiological defects during embryonic and larval stages.
- Utilizing transgenic zebrafish lines (fli1:eGFP and olig2:dsRED) to study angiogenesis and neural development.
Main Results:
- Propineb exposure induced morphological and physiological defects in zebrafish embryos.
- Apoptosis and notochord defects were observed in early developmental stages.
- Abnormal angiogenesis, deformed vasculature, and neurogenic defects were evident in propineb-exposed larvae.
Conclusions:
- Propineb exposure triggers abnormalities across multiple organ systems in zebrafish.
- The fungicide causes significant damage to neural development and vasculature.
- These findings suggest a complex physiological response to propineb toxicity in developing zebrafish.
