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Pain management in zebrafish : Report from a FELASA Working Group
Lynne U Sneddon1, Paul Schroeder2, Ana Roque3
1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Laboratory Animals
|December 5, 2023
Summary
Zebrafish experience pain, evidenced by behavioral changes. This review offers practical strategies for pain management and drug administration in laboratory zebrafish to improve animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Animal Welfare Science
- Neuroscience
- Aquatic Animal Models
Background:
- Fishes, including zebrafish, exhibit physiological and behavioral responses indicative of pain.
- Zebrafish are increasingly utilized in biomedical research, necessitating an understanding of pain perception.
- Laboratory procedures often involve tissue damage, potentially causing pain in zebrafish.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical evidence for pain experience in zebrafish.
- To identify behavioral indicators of pain in zebrafish.
- To evaluate the efficacy of pain-relieving drugs and suggest refinements for laboratory procedures.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of scientific literature on pain and nociception in zebrafish.
- Analysis of behavioral indicators associated with pain, such as reduced activity and altered space use.
- Evaluation of drug efficacy, including optimal dosage and administration routes for analgesia.
Main Results:
- Behavioral changes like reduced activity, space use, and distance traveled are reliable indicators of pain in zebrafish.
- Pain-relieving drugs effectively mitigate these pain responses.
- Specific dosages and administration routes for analgesics are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Zebrafish demonstrate clear indicators of pain, supporting their capacity to experience it.
- Implementing suggested refinements and analgesia protocols can significantly minimize or prevent pain.
- Improved pain management in laboratory zebrafish enhances animal welfare during and after invasive procedures.
