News and Events
Fluoxetine in Zebrafish
Summer 2011
Antidepressants and pharmaceuticals have been found in the environment as they are released in the effluent from wastewater treatment plants, which are not designed to remove such compounds from the water. This summer, Dr. Martin Connaughton and summer research student Kathy Thornton '13 are focusing on fluoxetine (Prozac) and its impact on the startle response in Zebrafish. Stimuli that are perceived as dangerous, in our case an acoustic/vibrational stimulus, can elicit a startle response from fish, aiding in the fish's survival. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which increases the concentration of serotonin in the blood, producing a "lighter" mood. It is hypothesized that under exposure to fluoxetine, the startle response will differ in swimming velocity and severity. Any decrease in responsiveness to a startle stimulus in response to fluoxetine would suggest that this compound, found in the environment, might decrease the likelihood of a fish surviving an attack by a predator.
Watch video or enlarge photos by Shane Brill '03.
Individual fish, exposed to different treatments, were placed in experimental tanks to be startled by a stimulus.
Dropping a rubber ball against the side of the tank produces an acoustic and vibrational stimulus, simulating the approach of a predator.
The fish's behavior before, during, and after the stimulus was recorded and tracked.
A zebrafish demonstrating a classic freeze, where ceasing movement may protect it from the "predator."
Ethovision is a complex program that allows us to import the recorded videos of the fish behavior and then track selected variables such as swimming velocity.
Studying the results and behavior from fish #1 out of 107.
"Hello fishy!"
Summer research provides the opportunity for one on one discussion and learning. Dr. C and Kathy Thornton observe some unique fish behavior and physiology: some zebrafish have much larger fins than their kin, possibly suggesting their dominance over the other fish.
Keeping records of water temperature, ammonia/nitrate levels, and treatments for each tank provides scientific support for any results that we may find.
Good luck charm! Lesson #2: Scientists can be a little superstitious, but the fish did seem much healthier and happier with the fish idol hanging over them.