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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Rapid Evaluation of Toxicity of Chemical Compounds Using Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: August 25, 2019
In vivo toxicity of some cyanide-containing compounds in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Jalal Hassan1, Naghmeh Azimoshan1, Mohammad Kazem Koohi1
1Division of Toxicology, Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
This study investigated the developmental toxicity of four cyanide-containing compounds (gold cyanide, sodium cyanide, zinc cyanide, and amygdalin) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Fertilized eggs were exposed to concentrations ranging from 1 to 600 ng/mL for 96 h, following the OECD Test Guideline 236. Acute toxicity was determined by calculating the median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀), while developmental toxicity was assessed through a semi-quantitative scoring system based on six morphological endpoints: eye, heart, circulation, yolk sac, tail, and spontaneous movement. Of the compounds tested, amygdalin proved to be the most acutely toxic (LC₅₀ = 3.2 ng/mL), followed by sodium cyanide (6.3 ng/mL), zinc cyanide (33 ng/mL), and gold cyanide (90 ng/mL). A broadly similar toxicity ranking was observed for the severity of developmental malformations. These comparative data offer valuable insights for the environmental risk assessment of cyanide compounds, especially in areas impacted by active gold mining activities.
Insights
This study assessed cyanide compound toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Amygdalin was most toxic, followed by sodium, zinc, and gold cyanide, impacting development and survival.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Cyanide compounds are prevalent environmental contaminants, particularly from gold mining.
- Understanding their developmental toxicity is crucial for ecological risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the acute and developmental toxicity of four cyanide compounds: gold cyanide, sodium cyanide, zinc cyanide, and amygdalin.
- To provide data for environmental risk assessment of cyanide pollution.
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to cyanide compounds (1–600 ng/mL) for 96 hours, following OECD Test Guideline 236.
- Acute toxicity was measured by median lethal concentration (LC₅₀).
- Developmental toxicity was assessed using a scoring system for morphological endpoints (eye, heart, circulation, yolk sac, tail, movement).
Main Results:
- Amygdalin exhibited the highest acute toxicity (LC₅₀ = 3.2 ng/mL), followed by sodium cyanide (6.3 ng/mL), zinc cyanide (33 ng/mL), and gold cyanide (90 ng/mL).
- A similar toxicity ranking was observed for the severity of developmental malformations.
- All tested cyanide compounds induced developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos.
Conclusions:
- Amygdalin and sodium cyanide pose significant risks due to their high acute toxicity.
- Comparative toxicity data are essential for evaluating environmental risks associated with cyanide compounds, especially in mining regions.
- Zebrafish embryos serve as a valuable model for assessing the ecotoxicity of cyanide compounds.
