A novel locomotion-based prepulse inhibition assay in zebrafish larvae

Sensory gating, measured using prepulse inhibition (PPI), is an endophenotype of neuropsychiatric disorders that can be assessed in larval zebrafish models. However, current PPI assays require high-speed cameras to capture rapid c-bend startle behaviours of the larvae. In this study, we designed and employed a PPI paradigm that uses locomotion as a read-out of zebrafish larval startle responses. PPI percentage was measured at a maximum of 87% and strongly reduced upon administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801. This work provides the foundation for simpler and more accessible PPI assays using larval zebrafish to model key endophenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders.