Alpha-particle-induced bystander effects between zebrafish embryos in vivo

Embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio in studies of non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation

“…It is currently well-established that the RIBE not only exists through communication within an individual but also is found through signal communication outside individuals at the interorganismic level. Yum et al [215] reported the communication of alpha-particle-induced bystander signals between 1.5 hpf zebrafish embryos. Choi et al [229,230] further demonstrated that the RIBE communication between zebrafish embryos in vivo could actually induce the RAR against a challenging dose and induce a hormetic effect, respectively, in partnered unirradiated zebrafish embryos sharing the same medium with irradiated embryos.…”

“…Studies on non-targeted effects of high-LET ionizing radiation using zebrafish embryos as the in vivo model began with studies on the effects of alpha particles, together with the design of a special experimental setup and procedures [213][214][215]. The biggest challenge in these experiments was posed by the short ranges of alpha particles.…”

“…At the beginning, a polyallyldiglycol carbonate (PADC) polymer film [216] was chosen as the support substrate for the alpha-particle irradiation of dechorionated embryos. To solve the second problem, Yum et al [214,215] designed the irradiation in such a way that alpha particles came from the bottom and passed through the substrate holding the embryos. To solve the third problem, Yum et al [214,215] performed dechorionation by using a pair of sharp forceps to remove the chorions of the embryos before alpha-particle irradiation.…”

“…To solve the second problem, Yum et al [214,215] designed the irradiation in such a way that alpha particles came from the bottom and passed through the substrate holding the embryos. To solve the third problem, Yum et al [214,215] performed dechorionation by using a pair of sharp forceps to remove the chorions of the embryos before alpha-particle irradiation. Manual dechorionation could avoid the stress response that is induced during the enzymatic digestion of the chorions.…”

Zebrafish as an In Vivo Model to Assess Epigenetic Effects of Ionizing Radiation

“…Interestingly, no AR was observed to be induced by neutrons [65], which was attributed to the presence of neutron-induced hormesis as well as γ-ray hormesis [65]. RIBE was demonstrated in zebrafish [66], while RIBE and RIRE were demonstrated in zebrafish embryos exposed to α particles [67,68]. Smith et al demonstrated that RIBE could transcend taxonomic group (zebrafish and medaka) and trophic level in fish (irradiated California blackworms and non-irradiated rainbow trout), and suggested that RIBE signals could be transmitted through an ecosystem [69].…”