Reliability of behavioral test with fish: How neurotransmitters may exert neuromodulatory effects and alter the biological responses to neuroactive agents

Sousa, Beatriz; Nunes, Bruno

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139372

Cited by 11 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 67 publications

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“…The mechanisms underlying the subtle direct effects of contaminants on behavior are caused by the disruption of chemical, endocrine, and neural signaling mediated by receptors, enzymes (e.g., cholinesterase activity), and/or transporters [8]. Since direct effects of contaminants on behavior are physiologically complex and associated with receptors [31], species-specific responses to exposure are likely, and responses will undoubtedly vary with developmental stage and with varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, because consumer behavior is affected at low, sublethal concentrations, indirect effects occur in environments with low, chronic contamination, increasing the range of conditions and the frequency of habitats at which indirect effects may occur, e.g., at wastewater or sewage outfalls [29].…”

Section: Indirect Effects and Behaviormentioning

confidence: 99%

How Do Indirect Effects of Contaminants Inform Ecotoxicology? A Review

Fleeger

2020

Processes

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Indirect effects in ecotoxicology are defined as chemical- or pollutant-induced alterations in the density or behavior of sensitive species that have cascading effects on tolerant species in natural systems. As a result, species interaction networks (e.g., interactions associated with predation or competition) may be altered in such a way as to bring about large changes in populations and/or communities that may further cascade to disrupt ecosystem function and services. Field studies and experimental outcomes as well as models indicate that indirect effects are most likely to occur in communities in which the strength of interactions and the sensitivity to contaminants differ markedly among species, and that indirect effects will vary over space and time as species composition, trophic structure, and environmental factors vary. However, knowledge of indirect effects is essential to improve understanding of the potential for chemical harm in natural systems. For example, indirect effects may confound laboratory-based ecological risk assessment by enhancing, masking, or spuriously indicating the direct effect of chemical contaminants. Progress to better anticipate and interpret the significance of indirect effects will be made as monitoring programs and long-term ecological research are conducted that facilitate critical experimental field and mesocosm investigations, and as chemical transport and fate models, individual-based direct effects models, and ecosystem/food web models continue to be improved and become better integrated.

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Section: Indirect Effects and Behaviormentioning

confidence: 99%

How Do Indirect Effects of Contaminants Inform Ecotoxicology? A Review

Fleeger

2020

Processes

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“…Behavior is a result of the activity of the nervous system, which is necessary for fish to survive and reproduce in the wild [18]. When fish are confronted with environmental stressors, their behavior will respond accordingly.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental Neurotoxicity of Difenoconazole in Zebrafish Embryos

Yang

Deng

Xing

et al. 2023

Toxics

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Difenoconazole is a type of triazole fungicide that is widely used in the treatment of plant diseases. Triazole fungicides have been shown in several studies to impair the development of the nervous system in zebrafish embryos. There is still little known about difenoconazole-induced neurotoxicity in fish. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L of difenoconazole solution until 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). The difenoconazole-exposed groups showed concentration-dependent inhibitory tendencies in heart rate and body length. Malformation rate and spontaneous movement of zebrafish embryos increased, and the locomotor activity decreased in the highest exposure group. The content of dopamine and acetylcholine was reduced significantly in difenoconazole treatment groups. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was also increased after treatment with difenoconazole. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in neurodevelopment was remarkably altered, which corresponded with the alterations of neurotransmitter content and AChE activity. These results indicated that difenoconazole might affect the development of the nervous system through influencing neurotransmitter levels, enzyme activity, and the expression of neural-related genes, ultimately leading to abnormal locomotor activity in the early stages of zebrafish.

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