The Neuroscience Laboratory of Western Kentucky University is presently involved with examining the effects of environmental stressors on neural development. It has been known for some time that the environment can affect both pre- and postnatal development. Our current understanding of the nervous system is that it is a dynamic, plastic system, designed to adjust to the environment. Therefore, it is essential to examine and understand the relationship between environmental stimulation and neural development.

Recently, a common fish found in many pet stores has left its domesticated lifestyle and entered the world of science. The importance of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) to many fields of science including genetics, biology and neuroscience is due to the fact that this vertebrate animal is able to reproduce prolifically and reach adulthood in three months. Many believe that the zebrafish may represent a unifying vertebrate model for studying genetics, developmental biology and neuroscience. The zebrafish has been used as a vertebrate model to study the effects of environmental stressors on anatomical development. For example, prenatal exposure to ethanol (alcohol) produces abnormal visual pathways to the brain. A deficiency of retinoic acid (vitamin A) produces anatomical changes in the visual system. Also, the light environment during early postnatal development affects visual development by altering the expression pattern of certain genes.

The Neuroscience Laboratory of Western Kentucky University is investigating the physiological and behavioral effects of environmental stressors on the zebrafish. Specifically, we are interested in the effects on sensory and learning ability of pre- and postnatal exposure to certain teratogens. These teratogens include unusual lighting conditions (such as constant light and constant dark), alcohol, vitamin deficiencies and drugs. At present, the laboratory uses techniques that assess visual ability both physiologically, using gross recording techniques (e.g., the electroretinogram) as well as recording the activity of individual neurons, and behaviorally using both reflexive and trained responses. Our laboratory also has a well established zebrafish breeding facility and a microscope workstation for determining the stages of zebrafish embryonic development. In addition, colleagues at the University of Louisville are collaborating on this work and providing their expertise in histology in order to assess the anatomical changes resulting from the environmental stressors. The long-term goal of the present work is to integrate information from genetics, anatomy, physiology and behavior in order to obtain a complete picture of neural development and the effects of the environment on development. This is growing concern for not only scientists, but physicians and parents as well.