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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: August 25, 2019
Iodoacetic acid causes developmental toxicity in zebrafish.
Samuel Hatlestad1, Brooke E Wagoner1, Hyunho Kim1
1Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
Summary
Iodoacetic acid (IAA), a disinfection byproduct, causes significant embryonic mortality and developmental issues in zebrafish. This study reveals IAA
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Water Chemistry
Background:
- Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like iodoacetic acid (IAA) form during water treatment.
- In vitro and animal studies indicate IAA is cytotoxic, genotoxic, and affects reproductive/endocrine systems.
- The developmental toxicity of IAA remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental toxicity of iodoacetic acid (IAA) in vivo.
- To determine the effects of IAA on embryonic development and organogenesis in zebrafish.
- To elucidate the impact of IAA on intestinal function and mucus production.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of IAA (1-100 µM).
- Embryonic mortality, hatching rates, and physical development were assessed.
- Organ development (swim bladder, otoliths, heart) and intestinal mucus production were analyzed.
- Gene expression related to mucin production was quantified.
Main Results:
- IAA induced dose-dependent embryonic mortality, particularly within the first 24 hours.
- Sublethal IAA concentrations led to delayed hatching and disrupted development of vital organs.
- IAA exposure impaired swim bladder inflation, reduced otolith size, and decreased heart rate.
- Intestinal mucus production was significantly reduced due to suppressed mucin gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Iodoacetic acid (IAA) exhibits significant developmental toxicity in zebrafish, impacting multiple organ systems.
- IAA disrupts embryonic development, organogenesis, and crucial intestinal functions like mucus production.
- These findings highlight potential risks of IAA exposure to aquatic organisms and underscore the need for further investigation into its health implications.
