Using Zebrafish Embryos to Study Pharmacological Effects on Neural Development in Hands-On Neurobiology Laboratory...

Area of Science:

• Neurobiology
• Developmental Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Undergraduate neurobiology curricula often lack hands-on labs for studying neural development.
• Zebrafish embryos offer a valuable model organism for investigating developmental processes and drug effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a 3-week laboratory module for undergraduate neurobiology courses.
• To provide students with direct experience on the impact of environmental toxins and psychiatric medications on neural development and behavior.
• To enhance student understanding of signaling pathways involved in nervous system development.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish embryos were exposed to lithium chloride, fluoxetine, and quetiapine over three weeks.
• Lab 1 involved exposing new embryos to toxins.
• Lab 2 assessed physical development (eyeless phenotype) in fixed larvae.
• Lab 3 measured anxiety-like behavior in live juvenile zebrafish.
• Students investigated affected signaling pathways through lab worksheets.

Main Results:

• Lithium chloride exposure resulted in inhibited anterior development and an eyeless phenotype.
• Fluoxetine and quetiapine altered anxiety-like behavior in juvenile zebrafish.
• Student worksheets facilitated investigation into drug-specific effects on neural development.

Conclusions:

• The lab activities successfully provided hands-on experience with zebrafish for studying neural development.
• Students gained a better understanding of how drugs impact nervous system development.
• This module effectively bridges the gap between theoretical neurobiology and practical laboratory experience.