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Zebrafish as a Model for Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: An Investigation Into Behavioral and Developmental Effects

Barnes, Amber K.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1354306697

Abstract Details

2012, Master of Science, University of Akron, Biology.
Embryonic ethanol exposure is known to cause birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in many vertebrates, including humans. In this study, zebrafish (D. rerio) were used to investigate the affects of embryonic ethanol exposure on embryo/larval development and the subsequent adult behavior. Although zebrafish have become a widely used model for prenatal alcohol exposure, in many cases the concentrations used are high and the period of observation is short. In order to record both larval and adult measures, this study utilized a low concentration of ethanol (0.4%) throughout the embryonic period of development (0-72 days post fertilization). Anatomical and physiological data was collected from larvae (including eye and heart measures) to investigate the affects of ethanol on embryonic development and an aggression/avoidance assay was used to determine if embryonic ethanol exposure influenced adult behavioral phenotypes. Exposure to ethanol throughout embryonic development resulted in decreased eye size, increased ventricle area, increased cardiovascular function, and reduced size in the larvae. In the adult fish, neither measures of size nor behavior of the treatment group were found to be significantly different from that of the control. In conclusion, low levels of embryonic ethanol exposure can result in changes in both form and function of larval anatomy and physiology. However, this affect does not seem to carry into adulthood through size or behavioral aggression/avoidance behaviors.
Brian Bagatto, Dr. (Advisor)
Francisco Moore, Dr. (Committee Member)
Richard Londraville, Dr. (Committee Member)
75 p.
Anatomy and Physiology; Animals; Behavioral Sciences; Biology; Developmental Biology; Physiology
zebrafish; FAS; Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; PAE; Prenatal Alcohol Exposure; FASD; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; Danio rerio; D. rerio; ethanol; development; cardiovascular; larval; adult; zebrafish embryo; heart rate; cardiac output; behavior; aggression

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Barnes, A. K. (2012). Zebrafish as a Model for Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: An Investigation Into Behavioral and Developmental Effects [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1354306697

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Barnes, Amber. Zebrafish as a Model for Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: An Investigation Into Behavioral and Developmental Effects. 2012. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1354306697.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Barnes, Amber. "Zebrafish as a Model for Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: An Investigation Into Behavioral and Developmental Effects." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1354306697

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1354306697
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© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.