Alterations in the brain serotonin system and serotonin-regulated behavior during aging in zebrafish males and females
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Studying Neurobehavioral Effects of Environmental Pollutants on Zebrafish Larvae
Published on: February 5, 2020
Valentina S Evsiukova1, Ivan E Sorokin2, Peter A Kulikov3
1Department of Psychoneuropharmacology, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
Abstract:
The brain serotonin (5-HT) system performs a neurotrophic function and supports the plasticity of the nervous system, while its age-related changes can increase the risk of senile neurodegeneration. Zebrafish brain is highly resistant to damage and neurodegeneration due to its high regeneration potential and it is a promising model object in searching for molecular factors preventing age-related neurodegeneration. In the present study alterations in 5-HT-related behavior in the home tank and the novel tank diving test, as well as 5-HT, 5-HIAA levels, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and the expression of genes encoding TPH, MAO, 5-HT transporter and 5-HT receptors in the brain of 6, 12, 24 and 36 month old zebrafish males and females are investigated. Marked sexual dimorphism in the locomotor activity in the novel tank test is revealed: females of all ages move slower than males. No sexual dimorphism in 5-HT-related traits is observed. No changes in 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in zebrafish brain during aging is observed. At the same time, the aging is accompanied by a decrease in the locomotor activity, TPH activity, tph2 and htr1aa genes expression as well as an increase in the MAO activity and slc6a4a gene expression in their brain. These results indicate that the brain 5-HT system in zebrafish is resistant to age-related alterations.
More Related Videos
08:35Shuttle Box Assay as an Associative Learning Tool for Cognitive Assessment in Learning and Memory Studies using Adult Zebrafish
Published on: July 12, 2021
08:36Author Spotlight: Assessment of Environmental and Drug-Induced Behavioral Changes in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: November 3, 2023
Related Concept Videos
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Menopause
Sulfur Assimilation
Gut-Brain Axis