PUBLICATION

Neural Alterations from Lead Exposure in Zebrafish

Authors
Roy, N.M., DeWolf, S., Schutt, A., Wright, A.
ID
ZDB-PUB-140923-5
Date
2014
Source
Neurotoxicology and teratology   46: 40-8 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Roy, Nicole
Keywords
Development, Lead, Neural, Vasculature, Zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Apoptosis/drug effects
  • Brain/blood supply
  • Brain/drug effects*
  • Brain/embryology
  • LIM-Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
  • Neurons/drug effects*
  • Neurons/pathology
  • Organometallic Compounds/toxicity*
  • Rhombencephalon/drug effects
  • Transcription Factors/metabolism
  • Zebrafish/embryology*
PubMed
25242292 Full text @ Neurotoxicol. Teratol.
Abstract
Lead was used extensively as a gas additive, pesticide, in paints, batteries, lead shot, pipes, canning and in toy manufacturing. Although uses of lead have been restricted, lead persists in our environment especially in older homes, and generally in soil and water. Although extensive studies have determined that fetal and childhood exposure to lead have been associated with childhood and adolescent memory impairments and learning disabilities, there are limited studies investigating early neural and morphological effects that may lead to these behavioral and learning abnormalities. Here we utilize the zebrafish vertebrate model system to study early effects of lead exposure on the brain. We treat embryos with 0.2mM lead for 24, 48 and 72hours and analyze neural structures through live imagery and transgenic approaches. We find structural abnormalities in hindbrain region as well as changes in branchiomotor neuron development and altered neural vasculature. Additionally, we find areas of increased apoptosis. We conclude that lead is developmentally neurotoxic to a specific region of the brain, the hindbrain and is toxic to branchiomotor neurons residing in rhombomeres 2 through 7 of the hindbrain and hindbrain central artery vasculature.
Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping