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Luz RBDS, Paula AGP, Czaikovski AP, Nunes BSF, De Lima JD, Paredes LC, Bastos TSB, Richardson R, Braga TT. Macrophages and cardiac lesion in zebrafish: what can single-cell RNA sequencing reveal? Front Cardiovasc Med 2025; 12:1570582. [PMID: 40290186 PMCID: PMC12022510 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1570582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Unlike mammals, zebrafish can regenerate their heart after cardiac insult. There are several ways to perform cardiac injury in zebrafish, but cryoinjury most closely resembles human myocardial infarction (MI). Studies demonstrated that macrophages are essential cells from the beginning to later stages of cardiac injury throughout the regenerative process in zebrafish. These cells have phenotypic plasticity; hence, overly sensitive techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), are essential for uncovering the phenotype needed for zebrafish cardiac injury regeneration, from inflammatory profile initiation to scar resolution. This technique enables the RNA sequencing of individual cells, thus generating clusters of cells with similar gene expression and allowing the study of a particular cell population. Therefore, in this review, we focused on discussing data obtained by scRNAseq of macrophages in the context of cardiac injury. We found that from 1 to 7 days post-injury (dpi), macrophages are present with inflammatory and reparative functions in either cryoinjury or ventricular resection. At 14 dpi, there were differences between the injury models, especially in the expression profile of inflammatory cytokines, and studies with later time points are needed to understand the gene expression that enrolls the collagen scar resorption dynamic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bruno Sime Ferreira Nunes
- Basic Pathology Department, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jordana Dinora De Lima
- Basic Pathology Department, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rebecca Richardson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tarcio Teodoro Braga
- Basic Pathology Department, Biological Sciences Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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2
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Zena LA, Ekström AT, Morgenroth D, McArley T, Axelsson M, Sundh H, Palmquist A, Johansen IB, Gräns A, Sandblom E. Beating the heart failure odds: long-term survival after myocardial ischemia in juvenile rainbow trout. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2024; 326:R484-R498. [PMID: 38406842 PMCID: PMC11381025 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00005.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Salmonid fish include some of the most valued cultured fish species worldwide. Unlike most other fish, the hearts of salmonids, including Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, have a well-developed coronary circulation. Consequently, their hearts' reliance on oxygenation through coronary arteries leaves them prone to coronary lesions, believed to precipitate myocardial ischemia. Here, we mimicked such coronary lesions by subjecting groups of juvenile rainbow trout to coronary ligation, assessing histomorphological myocardial changes associated with ischemia and scarring in the context of cardiac arrhythmias using electrocardiography (ECG). Notable ECG changes resembling myocardial ischemia-like ECG in humans, such as atrioventricular blocks and abnormal ventricular depolarization (prolonged and fragmented QRS complex), as well as repolarization (long QT interval) patterns, were observed during the acute phase of myocardial ischemia. A remarkable 100% survival rate was observed among juvenile trout subjected to coronary ligation after 24 wk. Recovery from coronary ligation occurred through adaptive ventricular remodeling, coupled with a fast cardiac revascularization response. These findings carry significant implications for understanding the mechanisms governing cardiac health in salmonid fish, a family particularly susceptible to cardiac diseases. Furthermore, our results provide valuable insights into comparative studies on the evolution, pathophysiology, and ontogeny of vertebrate cardiac repair and restoration.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Juvenile rainbow trout exhibit a remarkable capacity to recover from cardiac injury caused by myocardial ischemia. Recovery from cardiac damage occurs through adaptive ventricular remodeling, coupled with a rapid cardiac revascularization response. These findings carry significant implications for understanding the mechanisms governing cardiac health within salmonid fishes, which are particularly susceptible to cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Zena
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas T Ekström
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Morgenroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tristan McArley
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Axelsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Sundh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Palmquist
- Department of Biomaterials, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ida B Johansen
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Albin Gräns
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Sandblom
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zhang J, Nguyen AH, Jilani D, Trigo Torres RS, Schmiess-Heine L, Le T, Xia X, Cao H. Consecutive treatments of methamphetamine promote the development of cardiac pathological symptoms in zebrafish. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294322. [PMID: 37976248 PMCID: PMC10655962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic methamphetamine use, a widespread drug epidemic, has been associated with cardiac morphological and electrical remodeling, leading to the development of numerous cardiovascular diseases. While methamphetamine has been documented to induce arrhythmia, most results originate from clinical trials from users who experienced different durations of methamphetamine abuse, providing no documentation on the use of methamphetamine in standardized settings. Additionally, the underlying molecular mechanism on how methamphetamine affects the cardiovascular system remains elusive. A relationship was sought between cardiotoxicity and arrhythmia with associated methamphetamine abuse in zebrafish to identify and to understand the adverse cardiac symptoms associated with methamphetamine. Zebrafish were first treated with methamphetamine 3 times a week over a 2-week duration. Immediately after treatment, zebrafish underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement using an in-house developed acquisition system for electrophysiological analysis. Subsequent analyses of cAMP expression and Ca2+ regulation in zebrafish cardiomyocytes were conducted. cAMP is vital to development of myocardial fibrosis and arrhythmia, prominent symptoms in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Ca2+ dysregulation is also a factor in inducing arrhythmias. During the first week of treatment, zebrafish that were administered with methamphetamine displayed a decrease in heart rate, which persisted throughout the second week and remained significantly lower than the heart rate of untreated fish. Results also indicate an increased heart rate variability during the early stage of treatment followed by a decrease in the late stage for methamphetamine-treated fish over the duration of the experiment, suggesting a biphasic response to methamphetamine exposure. Methamphetamine-treated fish also exhibited reduced QTc intervals throughout the experiment. Results from the cAMP and Ca2+ assays demonstrate that cAMP was upregulated and Ca2+ was dysregulated in response to methamphetamine treatment. Collagenic assays indicated significant fibrotic response to methamphetamine treatment. These results provide potential insight into the role of methamphetamine in the development of fibrosis and arrhythmia due to downstream effectors of cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Anh H. Nguyen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Sensoriis, Inc., Edmonds, WA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Jilani
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Lauren Schmiess-Heine
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Tai Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Xing Xia
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Hung Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Sensoriis, Inc., Edmonds, WA, United States of America
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4
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Wei D, Wang L, Poopal RK, Ren Z. IR-based device to acquire real-time online heart ECG signals of fish (Cyprinus carpio) to evaluate the water quality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 337:122564. [PMID: 37717894 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Water quality monitoring is a challenging task due to continuous pollution. The rapid development of engineering technologies has paved the way for the development of efficient and convenient computer-based online continuous water-quality assessment techniques. Techniques based on biological-responses are gaining attention, worldwide. Different biosensors have been developed in recent years to monitor real-time biological responses to evaluate water-quality. The survival and function of various organs of the organism depends on the cardiac system. Alterations in the cardiac system could signify the occurrence/initiation of stress in the organism. We developed a real-time online cardiac function assessment system-OCFAS to acquire fish ECG-signals. We obtained P-wave, R-wave, T-wave, PR-intervals, QT-intervals and QRS-complex continuously, which did not affect the normal activities of carp. We exposed Cyprinus carpio to different concentrations (National Environmental Quality Standards) of ammonia for 48 h. Our OCFAS has precisely acquired the required ECG-signals. A real-time dataset reveals sensitivity to ammonia in carp ECG-indexes. Compared with the control group the P-wave, R-wave and T-wave were weaker in ammonia-treated groups. In contrast, the PR-intervals, QT-intervals and QRS-complex were prolonged in the ammonia-treatment groups. The self-organizing map signifies that the PR-intervals, the QRS-complex and the QT-intervals are consistent with environmental stress. Linear regression analysis also quantitatively signifies that the PR interval has the highest R2 value and the lowest SSE-value, followed by the QRS complex and the QT interval. A concentration-related effect was observed in the ammonia treated groups. The integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) index was used to determine the overall stress of ammonia on carp heart ECG-indexes. IBRv2 also supports the real-time response of carp to ammonia stress. Ammonia levels in the aquaculture and water environment require special attention to avoid its adverse effects on the health of aquatic biota. Our study emphasizes the importance of online real-time fish ECG for water-quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxian Wei
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China; Jinan Central Hospital, No. 105, Jiefang Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250013, China
| | - Rama-Krishnan Poopal
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China
| | - Zongming Ren
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China.
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Cho JM, Poon MLS, Zhu E, Wang J, Butcher JT, Hsiai T. Quantitative 4D imaging of biomechanical regulation of ventricular growth and maturation. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 26:100438. [PMID: 37424697 PMCID: PMC10327868 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal cardiac development is intimately associated with congenital heart disease. During development, a sponge-like network of muscle fibers in the endocardium, known as trabeculation, becomes compacted. Biomechanical forces regulate myocardial differentiation and proliferation to form trabeculation, while the molecular mechanism is still enigmatic. Biomechanical forces, including intracardiac hemodynamic flow and myocardial contractile force, activate a host of molecular signaling pathways to mediate cardiac morphogenesis. While mechanotransduction pathways to initiate ventricular trabeculation is well studied, deciphering the relative importance of hemodynamic shear vs. mechanical contractile forces to modulate the transition from trabeculation to compaction requires advanced imaging tools and genetically tractable animal models. For these reasons, the advent of 4-D multi-scale light-sheet imaging and complementary multiplex live imaging via micro-CT in the beating zebrafish heart and live chick embryos respectively. Thus, this review highlights the complementary animal models and advanced imaging needed to elucidate the mechanotransduction underlying cardiac ventricular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Min Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
- Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System
| | - Mong Lung Steve Poon
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
| | - Enbo Zhu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
- Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System
| | | | - Jonathan T. Butcher
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
| | - Tzung Hsiai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
- Department of Medicine, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA
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Watanabe-Asaka T, Niihori M, Sonobe H, Igarashi K, Oda S, Iwasaki KI, Katada Y, Yamashita T, Terada M, Baba SA, Mitani H, Mukai C. Acquirement of the autonomic nervous system modulation evaluated by heart rate variability in medaka (Oryzias latipes). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273064. [PMID: 36584168 PMCID: PMC9803310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Small teleosts have recently been established as models of human diseases. However, measuring heart rate by electrocardiography is highly invasive for small fish and not widely used. The physiological nature and function of vertebrate autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation of the heart has traditionally been investigated in larvae, transparent but with an immature ANS, or in anesthetized adults, whose ANS activity may possibly be disturbed under anesthesia. Here, we defined the frequency characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) modulated by the ANS from observations of heart movement in high-speed movie images and changes in ANS regulation under environmental stimulation in unanesthetized adult medaka (Oryzias latipes). The HRV was significantly reduced by atropine (1 mM) in the 0.25-0.65 Hz and by propranolol (100 μM) at 0.65-1.25 Hz range, suggesting that HRV in adult medaka is modulated by both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems within these frequency ranges. Such modulations of HRV by the ANS in adult medaka were remarkably suppressed under anesthesia and continuous exposure to light suppressed HRV only in the 0.25-0.65 Hz range, indicating parasympathetic withdrawal. Furthermore, pre-hatching embryos did not show HRV and the power of HRV developed as fish grew. These results strongly suggest that ANS modulation of the heart in adult medaka is frequency-dependent phenomenon, and that the impact of long-term environmental stimuli on ANS activities, in addition to development of ANS activities, can be precisely evaluated in medaka using the presented method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Watanabe-Asaka
- Space Biomedical Research Office, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Maki Niihori
- Space Biomedical Research Office, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sonobe
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Toho University, Funabashi, Japan
| | - Kento Igarashi
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Shoji Oda
- Space Biomedical Research Office, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Iwasaki
- Space Biomedical Research Office, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Social Medicine, Division of Hygiene, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Katada
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yamashita
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | | | - Shoji A. Baba
- Department of Biology, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mitani
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Mukai
- Space Biomedical Research Office, JAXA, Tsukuba, Japan
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7
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Arel E, Rolland L, Thireau J, Torrente AG, Bechard E, Bride J, Jopling C, Demion M, Le Guennec JY. The Effect of Hypothermia and Osmotic Shock on the Electrocardiogram of Adult Zebrafish. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040603. [PMID: 35453802 PMCID: PMC9025276 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Assessing cardiac toxicity of new drugs is a requirement for their approval. One of the parameters which is carefully looked at is the QT interval, which is determined using an electrocardiogram (ECG). Before undertaking clinical trials using human patients, it is important to first perform pre-clinical tests using animal models. Zebrafish are widely used to study cardiac physiology and several reports suggest that although ECG measurement can be performed, the recording configuration appears to affect the results. Our research aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of adult zebrafish ECG to determine the best practice for using this model during cardiac toxicity trials. We tested three recording configurations and determined that exposing the heart provided the most reliable and reproducible ECG recordings. We also determined the most accurate correction to apply to calculate the corrected QT, which makes the QT interval independent of the heart rate, a critical parameter when assessing drug cardiac toxicity. Overall, our study highlights the best conditions to record zebrafish ECG and demonstrates their utility for cardiac toxicity testing. Abstract The use of zebrafish to explore cardiac physiology has been widely adopted within the scientific community. Whether this animal model can be used to determine drug cardiac toxicity via electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis is still an ongoing question. Several reports indicate that the recording configuration severely affects the ECG waveforms and its derived-parameters, emphasizing the need for improved characterization. To address this problem, we recorded ECGs from adult zebrafish hearts in three different configurations (unexposed heart, exposed heart, and extracted heart) to identify the most reliable method to explore ECG recordings at baseline and in response to commonly used clinical therapies. We found that the exposed heart configuration provided the most reliable and reproducible ECG recordings of waveforms and intervals. We were unable to determine T wave morphology in unexposed hearts. In extracted hearts, ECG intervals were lengthened and P waves were unstable. However, in the exposed heart configuration, we were able to reliably record ECGs and subsequently establish the QT-RR relationship (Holzgrefe correction) in response to changes in heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Arel
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1046, UMR CNRS 9412, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (J.T.); (E.B.); (J.B.); (M.D.); (J.-Y.L.G.)
- Institut de génomique fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1191, UMR CNRS 5203, 34094 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Laura Rolland
- Institut de génomique fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1191, UMR CNRS 5203, 34094 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Jérôme Thireau
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1046, UMR CNRS 9412, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (J.T.); (E.B.); (J.B.); (M.D.); (J.-Y.L.G.)
| | - Angelo Giovanni Torrente
- Institut de génomique fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1191, UMR CNRS 5203, 34094 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Emilie Bechard
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1046, UMR CNRS 9412, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (J.T.); (E.B.); (J.B.); (M.D.); (J.-Y.L.G.)
| | - Jamie Bride
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1046, UMR CNRS 9412, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (J.T.); (E.B.); (J.B.); (M.D.); (J.-Y.L.G.)
- Institut de génomique fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1191, UMR CNRS 5203, 34094 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (A.G.T.)
| | - Chris Jopling
- Institut de génomique fonctionnelle (IGF), Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1191, UMR CNRS 5203, 34094 Montpellier, France; (L.R.); (A.G.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marie Demion
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1046, UMR CNRS 9412, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (J.T.); (E.B.); (J.B.); (M.D.); (J.-Y.L.G.)
| | - Jean-Yves Le Guennec
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, Inserm U1046, UMR CNRS 9412, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (J.T.); (E.B.); (J.B.); (M.D.); (J.-Y.L.G.)
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8
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Bowley G, Kugler E, Wilkinson R, Lawrie A, van Eeden F, Chico TJA, Evans PC, Noël ES, Serbanovic-Canic J. Zebrafish as a tractable model of human cardiovascular disease. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:900-917. [PMID: 33788282 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian models including non-human primates, pigs and rodents have been used extensively to study the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. However, there is an increasing desire for alternative model systems that provide excellent scientific value while replacing or reducing the use of mammals. Here, we review the use of zebrafish, Danio rerio, to study cardiovascular development and disease. The anatomy and physiology of zebrafish and mammalian cardiovascular systems are compared, and we describe the use of zebrafish models in studying the mechanisms of cardiac (e.g. congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, conduction disorders and regeneration) and vascular (endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, lipid metabolism, vascular ageing, neurovascular physiology and stroke) pathologies. We also review the use of zebrafish for studying pharmacological responses to cardiovascular drugs and describe several features of zebrafish that make them a compelling model for in vivo screening of compounds for the treatment cardiovascular disease. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Preclinical Models for Cardiovascular disease research (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.5/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Bowley
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Elizabeth Kugler
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rob Wilkinson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Allan Lawrie
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Freek van Eeden
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Tim J A Chico
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul C Evans
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emily S Noël
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jovana Serbanovic-Canic
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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9
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Ling D, Chen H, Chan G, Lee SMY. Quantitative measurements of zebrafish heartrate and heart rate variability: A survey between 1990-2020. Comput Biol Med 2021; 142:105045. [PMID: 34995954 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.105045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is an essential model organism for studying cardiovascular diseases, given its advantages of fast proliferation and high gene homology with humans. Zebrafish embryos/larvae are valuable experimental models used in toxicology studies to analyze drug toxicity, including hepatoxicity, nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, as well as for drug discovery and drug safety screening in the preclinical stage. Heart rate (HR) serves as a functional endpoint in studies of cardiotoxicity, while heart rate variability (HRV) serves as an indicator of cardiac arrhythmia. Cardiotoxicity is a major cause of early and late termination of drug trials, so a more comprehensive understanding of zebrafish HR and HRV is important. This review summarized HR and HRV in a specific range of applications and fields, focusing on zebrafish heartbeat detection procedures, signal analysis technology and well-established commercial software, such as LabVIEW, Rvlpulse, and ZebraLab. We also compared HR detection algorithms and electrocardiography (ECG)-based methods of heart signal extraction. The relationship between HR and HRV was also systematically analyzed; HR was shown to have an inverse correlation with HRV. Applications to drug testing are also highlighted in this review. Furthermore, HR and HRV were shown to be regulated by the automatic nervous system; their connections with ECG measurements are also summarized herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Huanxian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ging Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macao, China; Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Science, University of Macau, Macao, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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10
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Missinato MA, Zuppo DA, Watkins SC, Bruchez MP, Tsang M. Zebrafish heart regenerates after chemoptogenetic cardiomyocyte depletion. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:986-1000. [PMID: 33501711 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish can regenerate adult cardiac tissue following injuries from ventricular apex amputation, cryoinjury, and cardiomyocyte genetic ablation. Here, we characterize cardiac regeneration from cardiomyocyte chemoptogenetic ablation caused by localized near-infrared excited photosensitizer-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. RESULTS Exposure of transgenic adult zebrafish, Tg(myl7:fapdl5-cerulean), to di-iodinated derivative of the cell- permeable Malachite Green ester fluorogen (MG-2I) and whole-body illumination with 660 nm light resulted in cytotoxic damage to about 30% of cardiac tissue. After chemoptogenetic cardiomyocyte ablation, heart function was compromised, and macrophage infiltration was detected, but epicardial and endocardial activation response was much muted when compared to ventricular amputation. The spared cardiomyocytes underwent proliferation and restored the heart structure and function in 45-60 days after ablation. CONCLUSIONS This cardiomyocyte ablation system did not appear to activate the epicardium and endocardium as is noted in other cardiac injury models. This approach represents a useful model to study specifically cardiomyocyte injury, proliferation and regeneration in the absence of whole organ activation. Moreover, this system can be adapted to ablate distinct cell populations in any organ system to study their function in regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Missinato
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Avidity Biosciences, Inc., La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Daniel A Zuppo
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Biologic Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marcel P Bruchez
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Molecular Biosensor and Imaging Center, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Endothelial mechanotransduction in cardiovascular development and regeneration: emerging approaches and animal models. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2021; 87:131-151. [PMID: 34696883 PMCID: PMC9113082 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Living cells are exposed to multiple mechanical stimuli from the extracellular matrix or from surrounding cells. Mechanoreceptors are molecules that display status changes in response to mechanical stimulation, transforming physical cues into biological responses to help the cells adapt to dynamic changes of the microenvironment. Mechanical stimuli are responsible for shaping the tridimensional development and patterning of the organs in early embryonic stages. The development of the heart is one of the first morphogenetic events that occur in embryos. As the circulation is established, the vascular system is exposed to constant shear stress, which is the force created by the movement of blood. Both spatial and temporal variations in shear stress differentially modulate critical steps in heart development, such as trabeculation and compaction of the ventricular wall and the formation of the heart valves. Zebrafish embryos are small, transparent, have a short developmental period and allow for real-time visualization of a variety of fluorescently labeled proteins to recapitulate developmental dynamics. In this review, we will highlight the application of zebrafish models as a genetically tractable model for investigating cardiovascular development and regeneration. We will introduce our approaches to manipulate mechanical forces during critical stages of zebrafish heart development and in a model of vascular regeneration, as well as advances in imaging technologies to capture these processes at high resolution. Finally, we will discuss the role of molecules of the Plexin family and Piezo cation channels as major mechanosensors recently implicated in cardiac morphogenesis.
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12
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Cauterization as a Simple Method for Regeneration Studies in the Zebrafish Heart. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7040041. [PMID: 33022937 PMCID: PMC7711552 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the zebrafish has emerged as an important model species for heart regeneration studies. Various approaches to model loss of cardiac myocytes and myocardial infarction in the zebrafish have been devised, and have included resection, genetic ablation, and cryoinjury. However, to date, the response of the zebrafish ventricle to cautery injury has not been reported. Here, we describe a simple and reproducible method using cautery injury via a modified nichrome inoculating needle as a probe to model myocardial infarction in the zebrafish ventricle. Using light and electron microscopy, we show that cardiac cautery injury is attended by significant inflammatory cell infiltration, accumulation of collagen in the injured area, and the reconstitution of the ventricular myocardium. Additionally, we document the ablation of cardiac nerve fibers, and report that the re-innervation of the injured zebrafish ventricle is protracted, compared to other repair processes that accompany the regeneration of the cauterized ventricle. Taken together, our study demonstrates that cautery injury is a simple and effective means for generating necrotic tissue and eliciting a remodeling and regenerative response in the zebrafish heart. This approach may serve as an important tool in the methods toolbox for regeneration studies in the zebrafish.
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13
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Mousavi SE, Patil JG. Light-cardiogram, a simple technique for heart rate determination in adult zebrafish, Danio rerio. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2020; 246:110705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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14
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Juul Belling H, Hofmeister W, Andersen DC. A Systematic Exposition of Methods used for Quantification of Heart Regeneration after Apex Resection in Zebrafish. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030548. [PMID: 32111059 PMCID: PMC7140516 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a worldwide condition that affects millions of people. This is mainly caused by the adult human heart lacking the ability to regenerate upon injury, whereas zebrafish have the capacity through cardiomyocyte proliferation to fully regenerate the heart following injury such as apex resection (AR). But a systematic overview of the methods used to evidence heart regrowth and regeneration in the zebrafish is lacking. Herein, we conducted a systematical search in Embase and Pubmed for studies on heart regeneration in the zebrafish following injury and identified 47 AR studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Overall, three different methods were used to assess heart regeneration in zebrafish AR hearts. 45 out of 47 studies performed qualitative (37) and quantitative (8) histology, whereas immunohistochemistry for various cell cycle markers combined with cardiomyocyte specific proteins was used in 34 out of 47 studies to determine cardiomyocyte proliferation qualitatively (6 studies) or quantitatively (28 studies). For both methods, analysis was based on selected heart sections and not the whole heart, which may bias interpretations. Likewise, interstudy comparison of reported cardiomyocyte proliferation indexes seems complicated by distinct study designs and reporting manners. Finally, six studies performed functional analysis to determine heart function, a hallmark of human heart injury after MI. In conclusion, our data implies that future studies should consider more quantitative methods eventually taking the 3D of the zebrafish heart into consideration when evidencing myocardial regrowth after AR. Furthermore, standardized guidelines for reporting cardiomyocyte proliferation and sham surgery details may be considered to enable inter study comparisons and robustly determine the effect of given genes on the process of heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Juul Belling
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; (H.J.B.); (W.H.)
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Winsloewparken 25, 1. floor, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Wolfgang Hofmeister
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; (H.J.B.); (W.H.)
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Winsloewparken 25, 1. floor, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, DanStem, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, 2200 København H, Denmark
| | - Ditte Caroline Andersen
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; (H.J.B.); (W.H.)
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Winsloewparken 25, 1. floor, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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15
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Song J, Qiao L, Ji L, Ren B, Hu Y, Zhao R, Ren Z. Toxic responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to thallium and deltamethrin characterized in the electrocardiogram. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 212:1085-1094. [PMID: 30286538 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The electrocardiogram (ECG) has been widely used to objectively address the physical condition as an index of stress. Though a numerous accounts of investigations on aquatic organisms' ECGs have been made, differentiation of ECG parameters in responding to specific toxic chemicals has not been extensively studied. In this research, it is hypothesized that zebrafish (Danio rerio) ECG parameters would differently respond to different types of pollutants, a heavy metal, thallium (Tl, 0.10 and 13.00 μg/L) and an organic chemical, deltamethrin (DM, 0.52 and 2.00 μg/L). Based on the SOM training and statistical analyses, QRS complex could be specified as an indicator of Tl stress, while QT interval might be used to evaluate DM stress. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that QRS complex and QT interval were significantly associated with Tl stress (r = 0.854, p = 0.0002) and DM stress (r = 0.792, p = 0.001), respectively. QRS complex and QT interval had the highest R2, the minimum of SSE and the lowest AIC value in Tl and DM treatments, respectively. Bases on the current experimental results and previous reports, QRS complex and QT interval could be considered as a specific indicator of Tl and DM disturbances in the environment, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Song
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Qiao
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhen Ji
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Baixiang Ren
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyuan Hu
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruibin Zhao
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongming Ren
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Shandong Normal University, Ji'nan, 250014, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Dvornikov AV, de Tombe PP, Xu X. Phenotyping cardiomyopathy in adult zebrafish. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 138:116-125. [PMID: 29884423 PMCID: PMC6269218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is usually manifested by increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, excessive contractility, and impaired relaxation. In contrast, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) originates from insufficient sarcomere contractility and reduced cardiac pump function, subsequently resulting in heart failure. The zebrafish has emerged as a new model of human cardiomyopathy with high-throughput screening, which will facilitate the discovery of novel genetic factors and the development of new therapies. Given the small hearts of zebrafish, better phenotyping tools are needed to discern different types of cardiomyopathy, such as HCM and DCM. This article reviews the existing models of cardiomyopathy, available morphologic and functional methods, and current understanding of the different types of cardiomyopathy in adult zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Dvornikov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Pieter P de Tombe
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Chicago, IL, USA; Magdi Yacoub Institute, Cardiac Biophysics Division, Harefield, UK; Imperial College, Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK; Freiburg University, Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, Germany
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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17
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Chanson M, Watanabe M, O'Shaughnessy EM, Zoso A, Martin PE. Connexin Communication Compartments and Wound Repair in Epithelial Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051354. [PMID: 29751558 PMCID: PMC5983803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. These tissue networks, that range from a single cell layer, such as in airway epithelium, to highly stratified and differentiated epithelial surfaces, such as the epidermis, are held together by a junctional nexus of proteins including adherens, tight and gap junctions, often forming unique and localised communication compartments activated for localised tissue repair. This review focuses on the dynamic changes that occur in connexins, the constituent proteins of the intercellular gap junction channel, during wound-healing processes and in localised inflammation, with an emphasis on the lung and skin. Current developments in targeting connexins as corrective therapies to improve wound closure and resolve localised inflammation are also discussed. Finally, we consider the emergence of the zebrafish as a concerted whole-animal model to study, visualise and track the events of wound repair and regeneration in real-time living model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Chanson
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Erin M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alice Zoso
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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18
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Hodgson P, Ireland J, Grunow B. Fish, the better model in human heart research? Zebrafish Heart aggregates as a 3D spontaneously cardiomyogenic in vitro model system. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 138:132-141. [PMID: 29729327 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (ZF) has become an essential model for biomedical, pharmacological and eco-toxicological heart research. Despite the anatomical differences between fish and human hearts, similarities in cellular structure and conservation of genes as well as pathways across vertebrates have led to an increase in the popularity of ZF as a model for human cardiac research. ZF research benefits from an entirely sequenced genome, which allows us to establish and study cardiovascular mutants to better understand cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we will discuss the importance of in vitro model systems for cardiac research and summarise results of in vitro 3D heart-like cell aggregates, consisting of myocardial tissue formed spontaneously from enzymatically digested whole embryonic ZF larvae (Zebrafish Heart Aggregate - ZFHA). We will give an overview of the similarities and differences of ZF versus human hearts and highlight why ZF complement established mammalian models (i.e. murine and large animal models) for cardiac research. At this stage, the ZFHA model system is being refined into a high-throughput (more ZFHA generated than larvae prepared) and stable in vitro test system to accomplish the same longevity of previously successful salmonid models. ZFHA have potential for the use of high-throughput-screenings of different factors like small molecules, nucleic acids, proteins and lipids which is difficult to achieve in the zebrafish in vivo screening models with lethal mutations as well as to explore ion channel disorders and to find appropriate drugs for safety screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Hodgson
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford M6 8HD, UK
| | - Jake Ireland
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK; School of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Engineering, Hilmer Building, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Bianka Grunow
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute of Physiology, Greifswalder Str. 11C, 17495 Karlsburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK.
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19
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Monteiro DA, Taylor EW, Rantin FT, Kalinin AL. Impact of waterborne and trophic mercury exposures on cardiac function of two ecologically distinct Neotropical freshwater fish Brycon amazonicus and Hoplias malabaricus. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 201:26-34. [PMID: 28939505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Metal pollutants have been considered one of the main factors underlying the depletion of biodiversity in natural populations unbalancing aquatic environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to inorganic Hg on myocardial contractility and the electrocardiogram (ECG) of two ecologically distinct Neotropical fish species, namely: matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) and trahira (Hoplias malabaricus). Matrinxãs were exposed to a sublethal concentration of 0.1mgL-1 of Hg in water for 96h. Trahiras were exposed to dietary Hg doses (0.45mg of Hg, each 4days, for 30days) using juvenile B. amazonicus as the prey vehicle. Hg exposures decreased myocardial isometric twitch force development, harmed contraction/relaxation dynamics and cardiac pumping capacity (CPC), and reduced the relative contribution of the calcium stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to excitation contraction (EC) coupling in both fish species. Analysis of the ECG revealed that Hg impaired electrical conduction across the heart, inducing first degree atrioventricular block and lengthening the plateau phase of action potential duration. In trahira trophic doses of Hg induced a marked bradycardia, increasing the duration of the ventricular action potential and delaying atrial and ventricular depolarization. These findings indicate that both acute and long-term Hg exposure, by different routes is cardiotoxic to matrinxã and trahira. Hg potently impaired intracellular calcium kinetics in the cardiomyocytes, myocardium contractility, and electrical conduction across the heart, all of which can be implicated in decreased cardiac output and putative heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana A Monteiro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Edwin W Taylor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Francisco T Rantin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L Kalinin
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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González-Rosa JM, Burns CE, Burns CG. Zebrafish heart regeneration: 15 years of discoveries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 4:105-123. [PMID: 28979788 PMCID: PMC5617908 DOI: 10.1002/reg2.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Compared to other organs such as the liver, the adult human heart lacks the capacity to regenerate on a macroscopic scale after injury. As a result, myocardial infarctions are responsible for approximately half of all cardiovascular related deaths. In contrast, the zebrafish heart regenerates efficiently upon injury through robust myocardial proliferation. Therefore, deciphering the mechanisms that underlie the zebrafish heart's endogenous regenerative capacity represents an exciting avenue to identify novel therapeutic strategies for inducing regeneration of the human heart. This review provides a historical overview of adult zebrafish heart regeneration. We summarize 15 years of research, with a special focus on recent developments from this fascinating field. We discuss experimental findings that address fundamental questions of regeneration research. What is the origin of regenerated muscle? How is regeneration controlled from a genetic and molecular perspective? How do different cell types interact to achieve organ regeneration? Understanding natural models of heart regeneration will bring us closer to answering the ultimate question: how can we stimulate myocardial regeneration in humans?
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel González-Rosa
- Cardiovascular Research Center Massachusetts General Hospital Charlestown MA 02129 USA.,Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Caroline E Burns
- Cardiovascular Research Center Massachusetts General Hospital Charlestown MA 02129 USA.,Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02115 USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - C Geoffrey Burns
- Cardiovascular Research Center Massachusetts General Hospital Charlestown MA 02129 USA.,Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02115 USA
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21
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Automated Segmentation of Light-Sheet Fluorescent Imaging to Characterize Experimental Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Injury and Repair. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8603. [PMID: 28819303 PMCID: PMC5561066 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study sought to develop an automated segmentation approach based on histogram analysis of raw axial images acquired by light-sheet fluorescent imaging (LSFI) to establish rapid reconstruction of the 3-D zebrafish cardiac architecture in response to doxorubicin-induced injury and repair. Input images underwent a 4-step automated image segmentation process consisting of stationary noise removal, histogram equalization, adaptive thresholding, and image fusion followed by 3-D reconstruction. We applied this method to 3-month old zebrafish injected intraperitoneally with doxorubicin followed by LSFI at 3, 30, and 60 days post-injection. We observed an initial decrease in myocardial and endocardial cavity volumes at day 3, followed by ventricular remodeling at day 30, and recovery at day 60 (P < 0.05, n = 7-19). Doxorubicin-injected fish developed ventricular diastolic dysfunction and worsening global cardiac function evidenced by elevated E/A ratios and myocardial performance indexes quantified by pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound at day 30, followed by normalization at day 60 (P < 0.05, n = 9-20). Treatment with the γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT, to inhibit cleavage and release of Notch Intracellular Domain (NICD) blocked cardiac architectural regeneration and restoration of ventricular function at day 60 (P < 0.05, n = 6-14). Our approach provides a high-throughput model with translational implications for drug discovery and genetic modifiers of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy.
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22
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Gut P, Reischauer S, Stainier DYR, Arnaout R. LITTLE FISH, BIG DATA: ZEBRAFISH AS A MODEL FOR CARDIOVASCULAR AND METABOLIC DISEASE. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:889-938. [PMID: 28468832 PMCID: PMC5817164 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00038.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases worldwide is staggering. The emergence of systems approaches in biology promises new therapies, faster and cheaper diagnostics, and personalized medicine. However, a profound understanding of pathogenic mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels remains a fundamental requirement for discovery and therapeutics. Animal models of human disease are cornerstones of drug discovery as they allow identification of novel pharmacological targets by linking gene function with pathogenesis. The zebrafish model has been used for decades to study development and pathophysiology. More than ever, the specific strengths of the zebrafish model make it a prime partner in an age of discovery transformed by big-data approaches to genomics and disease. Zebrafish share a largely conserved physiology and anatomy with mammals. They allow a wide range of genetic manipulations, including the latest genome engineering approaches. They can be bred and studied with remarkable speed, enabling a range of large-scale phenotypic screens. Finally, zebrafish demonstrate an impressive regenerative capacity scientists hope to unlock in humans. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide on applications of zebrafish to investigate cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We delineate advantages and limitations of zebrafish models of human disease and summarize their most significant contributions to understanding disease progression to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Gut
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany; and Cardiovascular Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sven Reischauer
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany; and Cardiovascular Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany; and Cardiovascular Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Rima Arnaout
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany; and Cardiovascular Research Institute and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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23
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Lee J, Cao H, Kang BJ, Jen N, Yu F, Lee CA, Fei P, Park J, Bohlool S, Lash-Rosenberg L, Shung KK, Hsiai TK. Hemodynamics and ventricular function in a zebrafish model of injury and repair. Zebrafish 2015; 11:447-54. [PMID: 25237983 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2014.1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction results in scar tissue and irreversible loss of ventricular function. Unlike humans, zebrafish has the capacity to remove scar tissue after injury. To assess ventricular function during repair, we synchronized microelectrocardiogram (μECG) signals with a high-frequency ultrasound pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler to interrogate cardiac hemodynamics. μECG signals allowed for identification of PW Doppler signals for passive (early [E]-wave velocity) and active ventricular filling (atrial [A]-wave velocity) during diastole. The A wave (9.0±1.2 cm·s(-1)) is greater than the E wave (1.1±0.4 cm·s(-1)), resulting in an E/A ratio <1 (0.12±0.05, n=6). In response to cryocauterization to the ventricular epicardium, the E-wave velocity increased, accompanied by a rise in the E/A ratio at 3 days postcryocauterization (dpc) (0.55±0.13, n=6, p<0.001 vs. sham). The E waves normalize toward the baseline, along with a reduction in the E/A ratio at 35 dpc (0.36±0.06, n=6, p<0.001 vs. sham) and 65 dpc (0.2±0.16, n=6, p<0.001 vs. sham). In zebrafish, E/A<1 at baseline is observed, suggesting the distinct two-chamber system in which the pressure gradient across the atrioventricular valve is higher compared with the ventriculobulbar valve. The initial rise and subsequent normalization of E/A ratios support recovery in the ventricular diastolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyun Lee
- 1 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California , Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Leone M, Magadum A, Engel FB. Cardiomyocyte proliferation in cardiac development and regeneration: a guide to methodologies and interpretations. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015; 309:H1237-50. [PMID: 26342071 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00559.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The newt and the zebrafish have the ability to regenerate many of their tissues and organs including the heart. Thus, a major goal in experimental medicine is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regenerative capacity of these species. A wide variety of experiments have demonstrated that naturally occurring heart regeneration relies on cardiomyocyte proliferation. Thus, major efforts have been invested to induce proliferation of mammalian cardiomyocytes in order to improve cardiac function after injury or to protect the heart from further functional deterioration. In this review, we describe and analyze methods currently used to evaluate cardiomyocyte proliferation. In addition, we summarize the literature on naturally occurring heart regeneration. Our analysis highlights that newt and zebrafish heart regeneration relies on factors that are also utilized in cardiomyocyte proliferation during mammalian fetal development. Most of these factors have, however, failed to induce adult mammalian cardiomyocyte proliferation. Finally, our analysis of mammalian neonatal heart regeneration indicates experiments that could resolve conflicting results in the literature, such as binucleation assays and clonal analysis. Collectively, cardiac regeneration based on cardiomyocyte proliferation is a promising approach for improving adult human cardiac function after injury, but it is important to elucidate the mechanisms arresting mammalian cardiomyocyte proliferation after birth and to utilize better assays to determine formation of new muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Leone
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Pathology, Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; and
| | - Ajit Magadum
- Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Felix B Engel
- Experimental Renal and Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Pathology, Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; and
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25
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Abstract
The ability to repair damaged or lost tissues varies significantly among vertebrates. The regenerative ability of the heart is clinically very relevant, because adult teleost fish and amphibians can regenerate heart tissue, but we mammals cannot. Interestingly, heart regeneration is possible in neonatal mice, but this ability is lost within 7 days after birth. In zebrafish and neonatal mice, lost cardiomyocytes are regenerated via proliferation of spared, differentiated cardiomyocytes. While some cardiomyocyte turnover occurs in adult mammals, the cardiomyocyte production rate is too low in response to injury to regenerate the heart. Instead, mammalian hearts respond to injury by remodeling of spared tissue, which includes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays important roles during vertebrate heart development, and it is re-activated in response to cardiac injury. In this review, we discuss the known functions of this signaling pathway in injured hearts, its involvement in cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, and potential therapeutic approaches that might promote cardiac repair after injury by modifying Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Regulation of cardiac remodeling by this signaling pathway appears to vary depending on the injury model and the exact stages that have been studied. Thus, conflicting data have been published regarding a potential role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in promotion of fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In addition, the Wnt inhibitory secreted Frizzled-related proteins (sFrps) appear to have Wnt-dependent and Wnt-independent roles in the injured heart. Thus, while the exact functions of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in response to injury still need to be elucidated in the non-regenerating mammalian heart, but also in regenerating lower vertebrates, manipulation of the pathway is essential for creation of therapeutically useful cardiomyocytes from stem cells in culture. Hopefully, a detailed understanding of the in vivo role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in injured mammalian and non-mammalian hearts will also contribute to the success of current efforts towards developing regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (iBG-izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti-Balcova, 35340 Izmir, Turkey ; Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Dokuz Eylul University Medical School, Inciralti-Balcova, 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gilbert Weidinger
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Cao H, Kang BJ, Lee CA, Shung KK, Hsiai TK. Electrical and Mechanical Strategies to Enable Cardiac Repair and Regeneration. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng 2015; 8:114-24. [PMID: 25974948 DOI: 10.1109/rbme.2015.2431681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate replacement of lost ventricular myocardium from myocardial infarction leads to heart failure. Investigating the regenerative capacity of mammalian hearts represents an emerging direction for tissue engineering and cell-based therapy. Recent advances in stem cells hold promise to restore cardiac functions. However, embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes lack functional phenotypes of the native myocardium, and transplanted tissues are not fully integrated for synchronized electrical and mechanical coupling with the host. In this context, this review highlights the mechanical and electrical strategies to promote cardiomyocyte maturation and integration, and to assess the functional phenotypes of regenerating myocardium. Simultaneous microelectrocardiogram and high-frequency ultrasound techniques will also be introduced to assess electrical and mechanical coupling for small animal models of heart regeneration.
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27
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Cao H, Yu F, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Tai J, Lee J, Darehzereshki A, Bersohn M, Lien CL, Chi NC, Tai YC, Hsiai TK. Wearable multi-channel microelectrode membranes for elucidating electrophysiological phenotypes of injured myocardium. Integr Biol (Camb) 2015; 6:789-95. [PMID: 24945366 DOI: 10.1039/c4ib00052h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the regenerative capacity of small vertebrate models has provided new insights into the plasticity of injured myocardium. Here, we demonstrate the application of flexible microelectrode arrays (MEAs) in elucidating electrophysiological phenotypes of zebrafish and neonatal mouse models of heart regeneration. The 4-electrode MEA membranes were designed to detect electrical signals in the aquatic environment. They were micro-fabricated to adhere to the non-planar body surface of zebrafish and neonatal mice. The acquired signals were processed to display an electrocardiogram (ECG) with high signal-to-noise-ratios, and were validated via the use of conventional micro-needle electrodes. The 4-channel MEA provided signal stability and spatial resolution, revealing the site-specific electrical injury currents such as ST-depression in response to ventricular cryo-injury. Thus, our polymer-based and wearable MEA membranes provided electrophysiological insights into long-term conduction phenotypes for small vertebral models of heart injury and regeneration with a translational implication for monitoring cardiac patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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28
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Zhang X, Beebe T, Jen N, Lee CA, Tai Y, Hsiai TK. Flexible and waterproof micro-sensors to uncover zebrafish circadian rhythms: The next generation of cardiac monitoring for drug screening. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 71:150-157. [PMID: 25909335 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Flexible electronics are the next generation of sensors for mobile health and implantation. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an emergent strategy for pre-clinical drug development and toxicity testing. To address the confounding effects from sedation of fish and removal from the aquatic habitat for micro-electrocardiogram (µECG) measurements, we developed waterproof and wearable sensors to uncover the circadian variation in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) (Massin et al., 2000). The parylene-C based ECG sensor consisted of an ultra-soft silicone integrated jacket designed to wrap around the fish during swimming. The Young's modulus of this silicone jacket matched with the fish surface, and an extended parylene cable connected the underwater chest electrodes with the out-of water electronics. In addition, embedded micro-glass spheres in the silicone effectively reduced the effective density of the jacket to ~1 g cm(-3). These innovations enabled physiological ECG telemetry in the fish's natural habitat without the need for sedation. Furthermore, a set of non-linear signal processing techniques filtered out the breathing and electromagnetic artifacts from the recorded signals. We observed a reduction in mean HR and an increase in HRV over 24h at 10 dpa, accompanied by QT prolongation as well as diurnal variations, followed by normalization in mean HR and QT intervals at 26 days post ventricular amputation (dpa). We revealed Amiodarone-mediated QTc prolongation, HR reduction and HRV increase otherwise masked by sedation. The novel features of the flexible silicon jacket for µECG telemetry unraveled the biological clock and normalization of QT intervals at 26 dpa, providing the first evidence of new physiological phenomena during cardiac injury and repair as well as cardiac drug-mediated aberrant rhythms. Thus, the light weight and waterproof design holds promise to advance the next generation of mobile health and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Tyler Beebe
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Nelon Jen
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Chia-An Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Yuchong Tai
- Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Tzung K Hsiai
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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29
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Zhao Y, Cao H, Beebe T, Zhang H, Zhang X, Chang H, Scremin O, Lien CL, Tai YC, Hsiai TK. Dry-contact microelectrode membranes for wireless detection of electrical phenotypes in neonatal mouse hearts. Biomed Microdevices 2015; 17:40. [PMID: 25749638 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-014-9912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Continuous monitoring of aberrant electrical rhythms during heart injury and repair requires prolonged data acquisition. We hereby developed a wearable microelectrode membrane that could be adherent to the chest of neonatal mice for in situ wireless recording of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The novel dry-contact membrane with a meshed parylene-C pad adjacent to the microelectrodes and the expandable meandrous strips allowed for varying size of the neonates. The performance was evaluated at the system level; specifically, the ECG signals (μV) acquired from the microelectrodes underwent two-stage amplification, band-pass filtering, and optical data transmission by an infrared Light Emitting Diode (LED) to the data-receiving unit. The circuitry was prototyped on a printed circuit board (PCB), consuming less than 300 μW, and was completely powered by an inductive coupling link. Distinct P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves of ECG signals were demonstrated from the non-pharmacologically sedated neonates at ~600 beats per minutes. Thus, we demonstrate the feasibility of both real-time and wireless monitoring cardiac rhythms in a neonatal mouse (17-20 mm and <1 g) via dry-contact microelectrode membrane; thus, providing a basis for diagnosing aberrant electrical conduction in animal models of cardiac injury and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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30
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Use of echocardiography reveals reestablishment of ventricular pumping efficiency and partial ventricular wall motion recovery upon ventricular cryoinjury in the zebrafish. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115604. [PMID: 25532015 PMCID: PMC4274112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims While zebrafish embryos are amenable to in vivo imaging, allowing the study of morphogenetic processes during development, intravital imaging of adults is hampered by their small size and loss of transparency. The use of adult zebrafish as a vertebrate model of cardiac disease and regeneration is increasing at high speed. It is therefore of great importance to establish appropriate and robust methods to measure cardiac function parameters. Methods and Results Here we describe the use of 2D-echocardiography to study the fractional volume shortening and segmental wall motion of the ventricle. Our data show that 2D-echocardiography can be used to evaluate cardiac injury and also to study recovery of cardiac function. Interestingly, our results show that while global systolic function recovered following cardiac cryoinjury, ventricular wall motion was only partially restored. Conclusion Cryoinjury leads to long-lasting impairment of cardiac contraction, partially mimicking the consequences of myocardial infarction in humans. Functional assessment of heart regeneration by echocardiography allows a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of cardiac regeneration and has the advantage of being easily transferable to other cardiovascular zebrafish disease models.
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31
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Liu TY, Lee PY, Huang CC, Sun L, Shung KK. A study of the adult zebrafish ventricular function by retrospective Doppler-gated ultrahigh-frame-rate echocardiography. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2013; 60:1827-1837. [PMID: 24658716 PMCID: PMC4091976 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2013.2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a preferred animal model for studying various human diseases, particularly those related to cardiovascular regeneration; therefore, a noninvasive imaging modality is needed for observing the cardiac function of zebrafish. Because of its high resolution, high-frequency ultrasound B-mode imaging has recently been used successfully to observe the heart of adult zebrafish. However, ultrahigh-frame-rate echocardiography combining Bmode imaging and color flow imaging is still needed to observe the detailed transient motions of the zebrafish ventricle. This study develops an 80-MHz ultrahigh-frame-rate echocardiography system for this purpose, based on retrospective Doppler- gated technology. B-mode and color flow images of the cardiovascular system of the zebrafish were reconstructed by two-dimensional autocorrelation at maximum frame rates of up to 40,000 and 400 fps, respectively. The timings of end diastole (E(D)) and end systole (E(S)) of ventricle can be determined by using this high-resolution image system. Two ventricular function parameters-fractional shortening (FS) and fractional area change (FAC)-were measured for evaluating the ventricular function by using E(D) and E(S) with their corresponding ventricular dimensions. The experimental results indicated that the measured FS values were 42 ± 4% (mean ± standard deviation) and 60 ± 13% for the long axis and short axis of the ventricle, respectively, and that FAC was 77 ± 9%. This is the first report of these ventricular function parameters for a normal adult zebrafish. The results showed that retrospective high-frequency echocardiography is a useful tool for studying the cardiac function of normal adult zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Liu
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yang Lee
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Engineering, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chung Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Lei Sun
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - K. Kirk Shung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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32
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Unguez GA. Electric fish: new insights into conserved processes of adult tissue regeneration. J Exp Biol 2013; 216:2478-86. [PMID: 23761473 PMCID: PMC3680508 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.082396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biology is replete with examples of regeneration, the process that allows animals to replace or repair cells, tissues and organs. As on land, vertebrates in aquatic environments experience the occurrence of injury with varying frequency and to different degrees. Studies demonstrate that ray-finned fishes possess a very high capacity to regenerate different tissues and organs when they are adults. Among fishes that exhibit robust regenerative capacities are the neotropical electric fishes of South America (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes). Specifically, adult gymnotiform electric fishes can regenerate injured brain and spinal cord tissues and restore amputated body parts repeatedly. We have begun to identify some aspects of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of tail regeneration in the weakly electric fish Sternopygus macrurus (long-tailed knifefish) with a focus on regeneration of skeletal muscle and the muscle-derived electric organ. Application of in vivo microinjection techniques and generation of myogenic stem cell markers are beginning to overcome some of the challenges owing to the limitations of working with non-genetic animal models with extensive regenerative capacity. This review highlights some aspects of tail regeneration in S. macrurus and discusses the advantages of using gymnotiform electric fishes to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that produce new cells during regeneration in adult vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela A Unguez
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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Chaudhari GH, Chennubhotla KS, Chatti K, Kulkarni P. Optimization of the adult zebrafish ECG method for assessment of drug-induced QTc prolongation. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2013; 67:115-20. [PMID: 23353637 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies have shown the utility of adult zebrafish ECG (electrocardiogram) in assessing drug-induced QTc prolongation. While the method has significant advantages over current ECG animal models including ethical issues, low compound requirement and expense, adoption of the method into drug discovery programs has been hampered by specific limitations. The limitations include the inability to determine the exact dose of test compound administered, and potential effects due to variables such as flow rate of oral perfusion and immobilization method. We describe a refined method for the reproducible recording of the adult zebrafish ECG and illustrate its application in investigating drug-induced QTc prolongation using the histamine receptor antagonist Terfenadine as a test drug. METHOD We chose to perform parenteral administration of test drug instead of perfusion on the basis of mg per kg body weight of adult zebrafish. Acclimatization and immobilization methods were optimized to avoid ECG artifacts due to sudden environmental changes. We further modified the formula for QT correction and ensured reproducible recording of stable ECGs. Various concentrations of Terfenadine were used and the resultant proarrhythmic effects were analyzed as compared to the baseline and untreated controls. RESULTS Normal, stable and reproducible ECGs were recorded in all zebrafish. Terfenadine at the rate of 0.1mg/kg body weight was found to be the NOAEL. We found an excellent correlation between known QTc effects in humans and those observed in adult zebrafish at all concentrations. All Terfenadine-induced proarrhythmic effects observed in zebrafish were dose and time dependent. DISCUSSION We report a refined method for reproducible recording of stable zebrafish ECGs to facilitate its routine application in preclinical investigation of QTc-prolonging drugs with reliable estimation of NOAEL. Our study is of relevance to the development and use of alternate animal models in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Hari Chaudhari
- Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
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34
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Abstract
Understanding the developmental basis of cardiac electrical activity has proven technically challenging, largely as a result of the inaccessible nature of the heart during cardiogenesis in many organisms. The emergence of the zebrafish as a model organism has availed the very earliest stages of heart formation to experimental exploration. The zebrafish also offers a robust platform for genetic and chemical screening. These tools have been exploited in screens for modifiers of cardiac electrophysiologic phenotypes and in screens for novel drugs.
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35
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Yu F, Zhao Y, Gu J, Quigley KL, Chi NC, Tai YC, Hsiai TK. Flexible microelectrode arrays to interface epicardial electrical signals with intracardial calcium transients in zebrafish hearts. Biomed Microdevices 2012; 14:357-66. [PMID: 22124886 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-011-9612-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an emerging genetic model for regenerative medicine. In humans, myocardial infarction results in the irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes. However, zebrafish hearts fully regenerate after a 20% ventricular resection, without either scarring or arrhythmias. To study this cardiac regeneration, we developed implantable flexible multi-microelectrode membrane arrays that measure the epicardial electrocardiogram signals of zebrafish in real-time. The microelectrode electrical signals allowed for a high level of both temporal and spatial resolution (~20 μm), and the signal to noise ratio of the epicardial ECG was comparable to that of surface electrode ECG (7.1 dB vs. 7.4 dB, respectively). Processing and analysis of the signals from the microelectrode array demonstrated distinct ECG signals: namely, atrial conduction (P waves), ventricular contraction (QRS), and ventricular repolarization (QT interval). The electrical signals were in synchrony with optically measured Calcium concentration gradients in terms of d[Ca²⁺]/dt at both whole heart and tissue levels. These microelectrodes therefore provide a real-time analytical tool for monitoring conduction phenotypes of small vertebral animals with a high temporal and spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Biomedical Engineering and Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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36
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Abstract
This review provides an overview of the assays that are used for measuring escape and avoidance behavior in zebrafish, with a specific focus on zebrafish larvae during the first week of development. Zebrafish larvae display a startle response when exposed to tactile, acoustic, or visual stimuli and will avoid dark areas, moving objects, conspecifics, and open spaces. Emotional states such as fear and anxiety might be induced when larvae are exposed to stimuli that they would normally escape from or avoid. Although these emotional states probably differ between species and change during development, much can be learned about human fear and anxiety using zebrafish as a model system. The molecular mechanisms of fear and anxiety are highly conserved in vertebrates and are present during early zebrafish development. Larvae during the first week of development display elevated cortisol levels in response to stress and are sensitive to the same anxiolytics that are used for the management of anxiety in humans. Zebrafish larvae are well suited for high-throughput analyses of behavior, and automated systems have been developed for imaging and analyzing the behavior of zebrafish larvae in multiwell plates. These high-throughput analyses will not only provide a wealth of information on the genes and environmental factors that influence escape and avoidance behaviors and the emotional states that might accompany them but will also facilitate the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals that could be used in the management of anxiety disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Colwill
- Department of Psychology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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37
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Abstract
During regeneration, lost functional tissue can, in general, be replaced by different mechanisms, including proliferation of terminally differentiated cells or through differentiation of resident stem cells. It is a well-accepted dogma that the mammalian heart cannot efficiently regenerate upon injury as a consequence of insufficient oxygen supply. This is in sharp contrast to the hearts of adult zebrafish or newts that are able to replace lost ventricular tissue. Novel data indicate that the young murine heart also has the ability to regenerate within the first week after birth using mechanisms apparently quite similar to those observed in fish. This now provides us with a good starting point to identify the molecular mechanisms that led to the loss of the regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian heart. These future studies will also indicate whether it will be possible to reawaken the regenerative capability of cardiomyocytes in the human heart by treatment with selected pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne J Kühl
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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38
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Yu F, Huang J, Adlerz K, Jadvar H, Hamdan MH, Chi N, Chen JN, Hsiai TK. Evolving cardiac conduction phenotypes in developing zebrafish larvae: implications to drug sensitivity. Zebrafish 2010; 7:325-31. [PMID: 20958244 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2010.0658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias include problems with impulse formation and/or conduction abnormalities. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an emerging model system for studying the cardiac conduction system. However, real-time recording of the electrocardiogram remains a challenge. In the present study, we assessed the feasibility of recording electrical cardiogram (ECG) signals from the zebrafish larvae using the micropipette electrodes, and demonstrated the dynamic changes in ECG signals and their sensitivity to Amiodarone during the developmental stages. We observed that ECG signals revealed P waves and QRS complexes at 7 days postfertilization (dpf). T waves started to develop at 14 dpf. Distinct P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves were similar to those of adult zebrafish at 35 dpf, accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in QRS intervals (from 256 ± 16 ms at 7 dpf to 54 ± 6 ms, p < 0.01, n = 5). In response to Amiodarone, ECG signals showed QRS prolongation from 7 to 35 dpf (p < 0.05, n = 5). Hence, micropipette electrodes can be applied to detect evolving ECG signals from the developing zebrafish larvae, thus providing a noninvasive and nonparalyzing approach to investigate cardiac conduction phenotypes in response to genetic, epigenetic, or pharmacologic perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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