Lateral line - evoked potentials (LLEPs): an effective tool for investigating ototoxicity

Investigations of ototoxicity using the zebrafish lateral line system have focused on the morphology of neuromast sensory hair cells using vital dyes. As a complement to this approach, we demonstrate the utility of lateral line - evoked potentials (LLEPs). The LLEPs were acquired with a modified auditory evoked potentials physiological rig, using a dipole stimulus that was presented at a rate of 50 Hz. Fish were subjected to 0.002% and 0.003% gentamicin solution. Differences in LLEP thresholds were observed in treated versus control animals. These data indicate that LLEPs are an effective physiological measure for assessing ototoxicity.