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Neurological function is restored post-ischemic stroke in zebrafish, with aging exerting a deleterious effect on its
Takamasa Mizoguchi1, Ayumi Maki1, Yuno Nakase1
1Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8675, Japan.
Brain Research Bulletin
|January 26, 2025
Summary
Zebrafish models show blood flow recovery after ischemic stroke (IS) within 7 days, with neurological function returning by 14 days. Aged zebrafish exhibit impaired learning recovery, highlighting aging
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke (IS) causes significant neurological damage and disability.
- Current therapeutic options for IS are limited, emphasizing the need for new treatments.
- Zebrafish possess remarkable regenerative capabilities, making them a valuable model for studying neural repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathology and recovery process of ischemic stroke (IS) using a zebrafish model.
- To analyze temporal changes in cerebral vascular function and learning ability post-IS induction.
- To compare IS recovery in young versus aged zebrafish to understand the impact of aging.
Main Methods:
- Photothrombosis was induced in the zebrafish telencephalon using rose bengal.
- Cerebral vascular function and learning ability were monitored over time post-IS induction.
- Gene expression of neural stem and differentiated neuron markers was analyzed.
Main Results:
- In young zebrafish, blood flow was restored by 7 days post-IS induction (dpi), and brain function recovered by 14 dpi.
- Neural stem cell marker expression increased at 3 dpi, followed by differentiated neuron marker upregulation at 7 and 14 dpi.
- Aged zebrafish showed similar blood flow restoration but significantly delayed learning recovery and lacked differentiated neuron marker upregulation.
Conclusions:
- The zebrafish IS model effectively recapitulates key aspects of stroke pathology and recovery.
- Aging significantly impairs neurological recovery after IS, evidenced by protracted learning deficits and altered neurogenesis.
- This zebrafish model offers a platform for developing novel IS treatments and studying age-related stroke impacts.
