PUBLICATION

An open-source method to analyze optokinetic reflex responses in larval zebrafish

Authors
Scheetz, S.D., Shao, E., Zhou, Y., Cario, C.L., Bai, Q., Burton, E.A.
ID
ZDB-PUB-171019-10
Date
2017
Source
Journal of Neuroscience Methods   293: 329-337 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Burton, Edward A.
Keywords
MATLAB, development, oculomotor system, optokinetic reflex, saccade, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Algorithms*
  • Animals
  • Automation, Laboratory/methods
  • Eye Movement Measurements*
  • Larva
  • Models, Animal*
  • Nystagmus, Optokinetic*/physiology
  • Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods
  • Photic Stimulation*/instrumentation
  • Photic Stimulation*/methods
  • Reflex/physiology
  • Software
  • Video Recording
  • Zebrafish*/physiology
PubMed
29042258 Full text @ J. Neurosci. Methods
Abstract
Optokinetic reflex (OKR) responses provide a convenient means to evaluate oculomotor, integrative and afferent visual function in larval zebrafish models, which are commonly used to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying development, disease and repair of the vertebrate nervous system.
We developed an open-source MATLAB-based solution for automated quantitative analysis of OKR responses in larval zebrafish. The package includes applications to: (i) generate sinusoidally-transformed animated grating patterns suitable for projection onto a cylindrical screen to elicit the OKR; (ii) determine and record the angular orientations of the eyes in each frame of a video recording showing the OKR response; and (iii) analyze angular orientation data from the tracking program to yield a set of parameters that quantify essential elements of the OKR. The method can be employed without modification using the operating manual provided. In addition, annotated source code is included, allowing users to modify or adapt the software for other applications.
We validated the algorithms and measured OKR responses in normal larval zebrafish, showing good agreement with published quantitative data, where available.
We provide the first open-source method to elicit and analyze the OKR in larval zebrafish. The wide range of parameters that are automatically quantified by our algorithms significantly expands the scope of quantitative analysis previously reported.
Our method for quantifying OKR responses will be useful for numerous applications in neuroscience using the genetically- and chemically-tractable zebrafish model.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping