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Kämmer N, Reimann T, Braunbeck T. Neurotoxic pesticides change respiratory parameters in early gill-breathing, but not in skin-breathing life-stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 267:106831. [PMID: 38244448 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106831] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Neurotoxic compounds can interfere with active gill ventilation in fish, which might lead to premature death in adult fish, but not in skin-breathing embryos of zebrafish, since these exclusively rely on passive diffusion across the skin. Regarding lethality, this respiratory failure syndrome (RFS) has been discussed as one of the main reasons for the higher sensitivity of adult fish in the acute fish toxicity test (AFT), if compared to embryos in the fish embryo toxicity test (FET). To further elucidate the relationship between the onset of gill respiration and death by a neurotoxic mode of action, a comparative study into oxygen consumption (MO2), breathing frequency (fv) and amplitude (fampl) was performed with 4 d old skin-breathing and 12 d old early gill-breathing zebrafish. Neurotoxic model substances with an LC50 FET/AFT ratio of > 10 were used: chlorpyrifos, permethrin, aldicarb, ziram, and fluoxetine. Exposure to hypoxia served as a positive control, whereas aniline was tested as an example of a narcotic substance interfering non-specifically with gill membranes. In 12 d old larvae, all substances caused an increase in MO2, fv and partly fampl, whereas effects were minor in 4 d old embryos. An increase of fv in 4 d old embryos following exposure to chlorpyrifos, aldicarb and hypoxia could not be correlated with an increased MO2 and might be attributed either to (1) to the successfully postponed decrease of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) through support of skin respiration by increased fv, (2) to an unspecific stimulation of the sphincter muscles at the base of the gill filaments, or (3) to the establishment of oxygen sensing for later stages. In gill-breathing 12 d old zebrafish, a concentration-dependent increase of fv was detected for aniline and chlorpyrifos, whereas for aldicarb, fluoxetine and permethrin, a decline of fv at higher substance concentrations was measured, most likely due to the onset of paralysis and/or fatigue of the gill filament sphincter muscles. Since alterations of fv serve to postpone the decrease in arterial PO2 and MO2 increased with decreasing fv, the respiratory failure syndrome could clearly be demonstrated in 12 d old zebrafish larvae. Passive respiration across the skin in zebrafish embryos could thus be confirmed as a probable reason for the lower sensitivity of early life-stages to neurotoxicants. Integration of respiratory markers into existing testing protocols with non-protected developmental stages such as embryos might help to not underestimate the toxicity of early life-stages of fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kämmer
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, D-69210, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Tanja Reimann
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, D-69210, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, D-69210, Heidelberg, Germany.
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2
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Joyce W, Pan YK, Garvey K, Saxena V, Perry S. Regulation of heart rate following genetic deletion of the ß1 adrenergic receptor in larval zebrafish. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 235:e13849. [PMID: 35665450 PMCID: PMC9539580 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aim Although zebrafish are gaining popularity as biomedical models of cardiovascular disease, our understanding of their cardiac control mechanisms is fragmentary. Our goal was to clarify the controversial role of the ß1‐adrenergic receptor (AR) in the regulation of heart rate in zebrafish. Methods CRISPR‐Cas9 was used to delete the adrb1 gene in zebrafish allowing us to generate a stable adrb1−/− line. Larval heart rates were measured during pharmacological protocols and with exposure to hypercapnia. Expression of the five zebrafish adrb genes were measured in larval zebrafish hearts using qPCR. Results Compared with genetically matched wild‐types (adrb1+/+), adrb1−/− larvae exhibited ~20 beats min−1 lower heart rate, measured from 2 to 21 days post‐fertilization (dpf). Nevertheless, adrb1−/− larvae exhibited preserved positive chronotropic responses to pharmacological treatment with AR agonists (adrenaline, noradrenaline, isoproterenol), which were blocked by propranolol (general ß‐AR antagonist). Regardless of genotype, larvae exhibited similar increases in heart rate in response to hypercapnia (1% CO2) at 5 dpf, but tachycardia was blunted in adrb1−/− larvae at 6 dpf. adrb1 gene expression was abolished in the hearts of adrb1−/− larvae, confirming successful knockout. While gene expression of adrb2a and adrb3a was unchanged, adrb2b and adrb3b mRNA levels increased in adrb1−/− larval hearts. Conclusion Despite adrb1 contributing to the setting of resting heart rate in larvae, it is not strictly essential for zebrafish, as we generated a viable and breeding adrb1−/− line. The chronotropic effects of adrenergic stimulation persist in adrb1−/− zebrafish, likely due to the upregulation of other ß‐AR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Joyce
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
- Department of Biology – Zoophysiology Aarhus Universitet Aarhus C Denmark
| | - Yihang K. Pan
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Kayla Garvey
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Vishal Saxena
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
| | - Steve F. Perry
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
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3
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Smoot J, Padilla S, Farraj AK. The utility of alternative models in particulate matter air pollution toxicology. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100077. [PMID: 35676914 PMCID: PMC9168130 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Countless unique particulate matter (PM) samples with limited or no toxicity information. Alternative in vivo models offer greater throughput than traditional mammalian models. Use of zebrafish, fruit flies, and nematodes in PM toxicology lacks systematic review. Their utility in PM toxicity and mechanistic research and as screening tools is reviewed.
Exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution increases risk of adverse human health effects. As more attention is brought to bear on the problem of PM, traditional mammalian in vivo models struggle to keep up with the risk assessment challenges posed by the countless number of unique PM samples across air sheds with limited or no toxicity information. This review examines the utility of three higher throughput, alternative, in vivo animal models in PM toxicity research: Danio rerio (zebrafish), Caenorhabditis elegans (nematode), and Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). These model organisms vary in basic biology, ease of handling, methods of exposure to PM, number and types of available assays, and the degree to which they mirror human biology and responsiveness, among other differences. The use of these models in PM research dates back over a decade, with assessments of the toxicity of various PM sources including traffic-related combustion emissions, wildland fire smoke, and coal fly ash. This article reviews the use of these alternative model organisms in PM toxicity studies, their biology, the various assays developed, endpoints measured, their strengths and limitations, as well as their potential role in PM toxicity assessment and mechanistic research going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Smoot
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US EPA, RTP, NC, United States
| | - Aimen K. Farraj
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, US EPA, RTP, NC, United States
- Corresponding author.
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4
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Leyden C, Brüggemann T, Debinski F, Simacek CA, Dehmelt FA, Arrenberg AB. Efficacy of Tricaine (MS-222) and Hypothermia as Anesthetic Agents for Blocking Sensorimotor Responses in Larval Zebrafish. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:864573. [PMID: 35419446 PMCID: PMC8996001 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.864573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tricaine, or MS-222, is the most commonly used chemical anesthetic in zebrafish research. It is thought to act via blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, though its mechanism of action, particularly at the neuronal level, is not yet fully understood. Here, we first characterized the effects of tricaine on both body balance and touch responses in freely swimming animals, before determining its effect on the neural activity underlying the optokinetic response at the level of motion perception, sensorimotor signaling and the generation of behavior in immobilized animals. We found that the standard dose for larvae (168 mg/L) induced loss of righting reflex within 30 seconds, which then recovered within 3 minutes. Optokinetic behavior recovered within 15 minutes. Calcium imaging showed that tricaine interferes with optokinetic behavior by interruption of the signals between the pretectum and hindbrain. The motion sensitivity indices of identified sensory neurons were unchanged in larvae exposed to tricaine, though fewer such neurons were detected, leaving a small population of active sensory neurons. We then compared tricaine with gradual cooling, a potential non-chemical alternative method of anesthesia. While neuronal tuning appeared to be affected in a similar manner during gradual cooling, gradual cooling induced a surge in calcium levels in both the pretectum and hindbrain. This calcium surge, alongside a drop in heartrate, is potentially associated with harmful changes in physiology and suggests that tricaine is a better anesthetic agent than gradual cooling for zebrafish laboratory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Leyden
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Timo Brüggemann
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florentyna Debinski
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Clara A Simacek
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian A Dehmelt
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Aristides B Arrenberg
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Institute for Neurobiology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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5
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Wang Y, Pasparakis C, Grosell M. Role of the cardiovascular system in ammonia excretion in early life stages of zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R377-R384. [PMID: 34318705 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00284.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate if the cardiovascular system is important for ammonia excretion in the early life stages of zebrafish. Morpholino knockdowns of cardiac troponin T (TNNT2) or vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) provided morphants with nonfunctional circulation. At the embryonic stage [30-36 h postfertilization (hpf)], ammonia excretion was not constrained by a lack of cardiovascular function. At 2 days postfertilization (dpf) and 4 dpf, morpholino knockdowns of TNNT2 or VEGFA significantly reduced ammonia excretion in all morphants. Expression of rhag, rhbg, and rhcgb showed no significant changes but the mRNA levels of the urea transporter (ut) were upregulated in the 4 dpf morphants. Taken together, rhag, rhbg, rhcgb, and ut gene expression and an unchanged tissue ammonia concentration but an increased tissue urea concentration, suggest that impaired ammonia excretion led to increased urea synthesis. However, in larvae anesthetized with tricaine or clove oil, ammonia excretion was not reduced in the 4 dpf morphants compared with controls. Furthermore, oxygen consumption was reduced in morphants regardless of anesthesia. These results suggest that cardiovascular function is not directly involved in ammonia excretion, but rather reduced activity and external convection may explain reduced ammonia excretion and compensatory urea accumulation in morphants with reduced cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - C Pasparakis
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - M Grosell
- Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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6
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Hughes MC, Perry SF. Does blood flow limit acute hypoxia performance in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)? J Comp Physiol B 2021; 191:469-478. [PMID: 33580284 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01331-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Oxygen uptake (ṀO2) in larval zebrafish prior to maturation of the gill relies on cutaneous O2 transfer. Under normoxic conditions, rates of cutaneous O2 transfer are unaffected by haemoglobin availability but are diminished in fish lacking a functional circulatory system, suggesting that internal convection is critically involved in setting the resting ṀO2 in zebrafish larvae, even when relying on cutaneous O2 transfer. The reliance of ṀO2 on blood circulation led to the first objective of the current study, to determine whether loss of internal convection would reduce acute hypoxia performance (as determined by measuring critical PO2; Pcrit) in larval zebrafish under conditions of moderate hypoxia (PO2 = 55 mmHg) at 28.5 and 34 °C. Internal convection was eliminated by preventing development of blood vessels using morpholino knockdown of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); these fish are termed VEGF morphants. Breathing frequency (fV) and heart rate (fH) also were measured (at 28.5 °C) to determine whether any detriment in performance might be linked to cardiorespiratory dysfunction. Although ṀO2 was reduced in the VEGF morphants, there was no significant effect on Pcrit at 28.5 °C. Raising temperature to 34 °C resulted in the VEGF morphants exhibiting a higher Pcrit than the shams, suggesting an impairment of hypoxia tolerance in the morphants at the higher temperature. The usual robust increase in fV during hypoxia was absent or attenuated in VEGF morphants at 4 and 5 days post fertilization (dpf), respectively. Resting fH was reduced in the VEGF morphants and unlike the sham fish, the morphants did not exhibit hypoxic tachycardia at 4 or 5 dpf. The number of cutaneous neuroepithelial cells (presumptive O2 chemoreceptors) was significantly higher in the VEGF morphants and thus the cardiorespiratory impairment in the morphants during hypoxia was unlikely related to inadequate peripheral O2 sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Hughes
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N6N5, Canada
| | - S F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N6N5, Canada.
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7
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Does hypoxia-inducible factor 1α play a role in regulating cutaneous oxygen flux in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)? J Comp Physiol B 2021; 191:645-655. [PMID: 33774721 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that hypoxia tolerance is improved in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae after prior exposure to lowered ambient O2 levels. Such improved hypoxia performance was attributed in part, to increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α) exerting downstream effects on various physiological processes including promotion of trunk skin angiogenesis. Since O2 uptake ([Formula: see text]) in larvae is facilitated largely by O2 diffusion across the skin, enhanced cutaneous vascularization is expected to enhance [Formula: see text] during hypoxia and thus contribute to improved hypoxia tolerance. In this study, we used the scanning micro-optrode technique together with quantification of cutaneous vascularity in wild types (WT) and Hif-1α knockouts (hif1aa-/-ab-/-) to test the hypothesis that improved hypoxia tolerance after hypoxia acclimation in larvae at 4 or 7 days post-fertilization (dpf) was associated with Hif-1α-dependent increases in skin vascularity and regional cutaneous O2 fluxes (JO2). Hypoxia tolerance, as determined by measurements of critical PO2 (Pcrit), was unaltered by hypoxia pre-exposure in larvae at 4 dpf and there were no significant differences in Pcrit between WT and hif1aa-/-ab-/- larvae at this developmental stage. However, at 7 dpf there was a significant effect of genotype with WT larvae showing a lower Pcrit than hif1aa-/-ab-/- larvae, an effect that was being driven by a reduced Pcrit in the WT larvae after hypoxia pre-exposure (19.2 ± 1.9 mmHg) compared to hif1aa-/-ab-/- fish (35.5 ± 3.5 mmHg). Regardless of genotype, pre-exposure status or developmental age, JO2 decreased along the body in the anterior-to-posterior direction. Neither hypoxia pre-exposure nor genotype affected JO2 at any region along the body. The lack of any effect of hypoxia pre-exposure or genotype on JO2 was consistent with the lack of any effect on skin vascularity as measured in Tg(fli1:EGFP)yl transgenic larvae. Thus, the decreased hypoxia performance (increased Pcrit) at 7 dpf in the hif1aa-/-ab-/- larvae did not appear to be reliant on changes in trunk vascularity or cutaneous O2 diffusion.
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8
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Burggren W, Rojas Antich M. Angiogenesis in the Avian Embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane: A Perspective on Research Trends and a Case Study on Toxicant Vascular Effects. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7040056. [PMID: 33291457 PMCID: PMC7762154 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7040056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the avian embryo is an intrinsically interesting gas exchange and osmoregulation organ. Beyond study by comparative biologists, however, the CAM vascular bed has been the focus of translational studies by cardiovascular life scientists interested in the CAM as a model for probing angiogenesis, heart development, and physiological functions. In this perspective article, we consider areas of cardiovascular research that have benefited from studies of the CAM, including the themes of investigation of the CAM's hemodynamic influence on heart and central vessel development, use of the CAM as a model vascular bed for studying angiogenesis, and the CAM as an assay tool. A case study on CAM vascularization effects of very low doses of crude oil as a toxicant is also presented that embraces some of these themes, showing the induction of subtle changes in the pattern of the CAM vasculature growth that are not readily observed by standard vascular assessment methodologies. We conclude by raising several questions in the area of CAM research, including the following: (1) Do changes in patterns of CAM growth, as opposed to absolute CAM growth, have biological significance?; (2) How does the relative amount of CAM vascularization compared to the embryo per se change during development?; and (3) Is the CAM actually representative of the mammalian systemic vascular beds that it is presumed to model?
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9
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Parker JJ, Zimmer AM, Perry SF. Respirometry and cutaneous oxygen flux measurements reveal a negligible aerobic cost of ion regulation in larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio). J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb226753. [PMID: 32709624 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.226753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Fishes living in fresh water counter the passive loss of salts by actively absorbing ions through specialized cells termed ionocytes. Ionocytes contain ATP-dependent transporters and are enriched with mitochondria; therefore ionic regulation is an energy-consuming process. The purpose of this study was to assess the aerobic costs of ion transport in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). We hypothesized that changes in rates of Na+ uptake evoked by acidic or low Na+ rearing conditions would result in corresponding changes in whole-body oxygen consumption (ṀO2 ) and/or cutaneous oxygen flux (JO2 ), measured at the ionocyte-expressing yolk sac epithelium using the scanning micro-optrode technique (SMOT). Larvae at 4 days post-fertilization (dpf) that were reared under low pH (pH 4) conditions exhibited a higher rate of Na+ uptake compared with fish reared under control conditions (pH 7.6), yet they displayed a lower ṀO2 and no difference in cutaneous JO2 Despite a higher Na+ uptake capacity in larvae reared under low Na+ conditions, there were no differences in ṀO2 and JO2 at 4 dpf. Furthermore, although Na+ uptake was nearly abolished in 2 dpf larvae lacking ionocytes after morpholino knockdown of the ionocyte proliferation regulating transcription factor foxi3a, ṀO2 and JO2 were unaffected. Finally, laser ablation of ionocytes did not affect cutaneous JO2 Thus, we conclude that the aerobic costs of ion uptake by ionocytes in larval zebrafish, at least in the case of Na+, are below detection using whole-body respirometry or cutaneous SMOT scans, providing evidence that ion regulation in zebrafish larvae incurs a low aerobic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian J Parker
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
| | - Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
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10
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A Miniature Intermittent-Flow Respirometry System with a 3D-Printed, Palm-Sized Zebrafish Treadmill for Measuring Rest and Activity Metabolic Rates. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20185088. [PMID: 32906794 PMCID: PMC7570584 DOI: 10.3390/s20185088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish are a preferred vertebrate model for evaluating metabolism during development, and for toxicity studies. However, commercially available intermittent-flow respirometry systems (IFRS) do not provide a suitable zebrafish-scaled swimming tunnel with a low water volume and proper flow velocities. We developed a miniature IFRS (mIFRS) with a 3D-printed, palm-sized zebrafish treadmill for measuring the swimming ability and metabolic rate of a single one- or three-month-old zebrafish with and without toxicity treatment. The 3D-printed zebrafish treadmill consists of discrete components assembled together which enables the provision of a temporary closed circulating water flow. The results showed that three-month-old zebrafish of normal physiological status had higher energetic efficiency and could swim at a higher critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of 16.79 cm/s with a lower cost of transport (COTopt) of 0.11 μmol g−1m−1. However, for a single three-month-old zebrafish treated with an antibacterial agent, Ucrit decreased to 45% of normal zebrafish and the COTopt increased to 0.24 μmol g−1m−1, due to the impairment of mitochondria. Our mIFRS provides a low-cost, portable, and readily adaptable tool for studying the swimming performance and energetic metabolism of zebrafish.
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11
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Mandic M, Best C, Perry SF. Loss of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α affects hypoxia tolerance in larval and adult zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200798. [PMID: 32453991 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordination of the hypoxic response is attributed, in part, to hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α), a regulator of hypoxia-induced transcription. After the teleost-specific genome duplication, most teleost fishes lost the duplicate copy of Hif-1α, except species in the cyprinid lineage that retained both paralogues of Hif-1α (Hif1aa and Hif1ab). Little is known about the contribution of Hif-1α, and specifically of each paralogue, to hypoxia tolerance. Here, we examined hypoxia tolerance in wild-type (Hif1aa+/+ab+/+) and Hif-1α knockout lines (Hif1aa-/-; Hif1ab-/-; Hif1aa-/-ab-/-) of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Critical O2 tension (Pcrit; the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) at which O2 consumption can no longer be maintained) and time to loss of equilibrium (LOE), two indices of hypoxia tolerance, were assessed in larvae and adults. Knockout of both paralogues significantly increased Pcrit (decreased hypoxia tolerance) in larval fish. Prior exposure of larvae to hypoxia decreased Pcrit in wild-type fish, an effect mediated by the Hif1aa paralogue. In adults, individuals with a knockout of either paralogue exhibited significantly decreased time to LOE but no difference in Pcrit. Together, these results demonstrate that in zebrafish, tolerance to hypoxia and improved hypoxia tolerance after pre-exposure to hypoxia (pre-conditioning) are mediated, at least in part, by Hif-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Mandic
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Carol Best
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
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12
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Zimmer AM, Mandic M, Rourke KM, Perry SF. Breathing with fins: do the pectoral fins of larval fishes play a respiratory role? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 318:R89-R97. [PMID: 31692366 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00265.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Convective water flow across respiratory epithelia in water-breathing organisms maintains transcutaneous oxygen (O2) partial pressure (Po2) gradients that drive O2 uptake. Following hatch, larval fishes lack a developed gill and the skin is the dominant site of gas transfer, yet few studies have addressed the contribution of convective water flow to cutaneous O2 uptake in larvae. We hypothesized that the pectoral fins, which can generate water flow across the skin in larvae, promote transcutaneous O2 transfer and thus aid in O2 uptake. In zebrafish (Danio rerio), the frequency of pectoral fin movements increased in response to hypoxia at 4 days postfertilization (dpf), but the response was blunted by 15 dpf, when the gills become the dominant site of O2 uptake, and was absent by 21 dpf. In rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Po2 measured at the skin surface of ventilating larvae was lower when the pectoral fins had been surgically removed, directly demonstrating that fins contribute to convective flow that dissipates cutaneous Po2 boundary layers. Lack of pectoral fins compromised whole animal O2 consumption in trout during hypoxia, but this effect was absent in zebrafish. Overall, our findings support a respiratory role of the pectoral fins in rainbow trout, but their involvement in zebrafish remains equivocal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Milica Mandic
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn M Rourke
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Wang Y, Pasparakis C, Stieglitz JD, Benetti DD, Grosell M. The effects of Deepwater Horizon crude oil on ammonia and urea handling in mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) early life stages. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 216:105294. [PMID: 31585273 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many ecologically important fishes, including mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), and their offspring were directly exposed to crude oil following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Early life stage fish are especially vulnerable to the toxicity of crude oil-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In teleosts, yolk sac proteins are the main energy source during development and are usually catabolized into ammonia or urea among other byproducts. Although excretion of these waste products is sensitive to oil exposure, we know little about the underlying mechanisms of this process. In this study, we examined the effects of crude oil on ammonia and urea handling in the early life stages of mahi. Mahi embryos exposed to 30-32 μg L-1 ∑PAH exhibited increased urea excretion rates and greater accumulation of urea in the tissues before hatch suggesting that ammonia, which is highly toxic, was converted into less-toxic urea. Oil-exposed embryos (6.3-32 μg L-1 ∑PAH) displayed significantly increased tissue ammonia levels at 42 hpf and upregulated mRNA levels of ammonia transporters (Rhag, Rhbg and Rhcg1) from 30 to 54 hpf. However, despite increased accumulation and higher expression of ammonia transporters, the larvae exposed to higher ∑PAH (30 μg L-1 ∑PAH) showed reduced ammonia excretion rates after hatch. Together, the increased production of nitrogenous waste reinforces previous work that increased energy demand in oil-exposed embryos is fueled, at least in part, by protein metabolism and that urea synthesis plays a role in ammonia detoxification in oil-exposed mahi embryos. To our knowledge, this study is the first to combine physiological and molecular approaches to assess the impact of crude-oil on both nitrogenous waste excretion and accumulation in the early life stages of any teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States.
| | - C Pasparakis
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States
| | - J D Stieglitz
- Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society, RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States
| | - D D Benetti
- Department of Marine Ecosystems and Society, RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States
| | - M Grosell
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States
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Pan YK, Mandic M, Zimmer AM, Perry SF. Evaluating the physiological significance of hypoxic hyperventilation in larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.204800. [PMID: 31196977 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.204800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In water-breathing fishes, the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) represents an increase in water flow over the gills during exposure to lowered ambient O2 levels. The HVR is a critical defense mechanism that serves to delay the negative consequences of hypoxia on aerobic respiration. However, the physiological significance of the HVR in larval fishes is unclear as they do not have a fully developed gill and rely primarily on cutaneous gas transfer. Using larval zebrafish (4, 7, 10 and 15 days post-fertilization; dpf), we examined HVR under three levels of hypoxia (25, 45 and 60 mmHg). The larvae exhibited widely different HVRs as a function of developmental age and level of the hypoxia. Yet, critical O2 tensions (P crit) remained constant (30-34 mmHg) over the same period of development. Micro-optrode O2 sensors were used to measure a significant decrease in buccal cavity water O2 tensions in 4 and 7 dpf larvae compared with the water they inspired, demonstrating significant extraction of O2 from the buccal cavity. To assess the physiological significance of the HVR, ventilatory water flow was prevented in larvae at 4 and 7 dpf by embedding their heads in agar. An increase in P crit was observed in larvae at 7 dpf but not 4 dpf, suggesting that buccal ventilation is important for O2 extraction by 7 dpf. Combined, these data indicate that branchial/buccal gas transfer plays a significant role in O2 uptake during hypoxia, and supports a physiological benefit of the HVR in early life stages of zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang K Pan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Milica Mandic
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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15
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Zimmer AM, Shir-Mohammadi K, Kwong RWM, Perry SF. Reassessing the contribution of the Na+/H+ exchanger Nhe3b to Na+ uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. J Exp Biol 2019; 223:jeb.215111. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.215111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Freshwater fishes absorb Na+ from their dilute environment using ion-transporting cells. In larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), Na+ uptake is coordinated by (1) Na+/H+-exchanger 3b (Nhe3b) and (2) H+-ATPase-powered electrogenic uptake in H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells and by (3) Na+-Cl−-cotransporter (Ncc) expressed in NCC cells. The present study aimed to better understand the roles of these 3 proteins in Na+ uptake by larval zebrafish under ‘normal’ (800 µmol/L) and ‘low’ (10 µmol/L) Na+ conditions. We hypothesized that Na+ uptake would be reduced by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) of slc9a3.2 (encoding Nhe3b), particularly in low Na+ where Nhe3b is believed to play a dominant role. Contrary to this hypothesis, Na+ uptake was sustained in nhe3b KO larvae under both Na+ conditions, which led to the exploration of whether compensatory regulation of H+-ATPase or Ncc was responsible for maintaining Na+ uptake in nhe3b KO larvae. mRNA expression of the genes encoding H+-ATPase and Ncc were not altered in nhe3b KO. Moreover, morpholino knockdown of H+-ATPase, which significantly reduced H+ flux by HR cells, did not reduce Na+ uptake in nhe3b KO larvae, nor did rearing larvae in chloride-free conditions, thereby eliminating any driving force for Na+-Cl−-cotransport via Ncc. Finally, simultaneously treating nhe3b KO larvae with H+-ATPase morpholino and chloride-free conditions did not reduce Na+ uptake under normal or low Na+. These findings highlight the flexibility of the Na+ uptake system and demonstrate that Nhe3b is expendable to Na+ uptake in zebrafish and that our understanding of Na+ uptake mechanisms in this species is incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Steve F. Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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