Biology subjects

Gusso, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Gusso, D..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

3-Nitropropionic acid induces histological and behavioral alterations in adult zebrafish: role of antioxidants on behavioral dysfunction

Huntingtons disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease marked by progressive motor and non-motor symptoms such as neuropsychiatric disruption and cognitive dysfunction. It has been reported that some pathogenic mechanisms resulting in neuronal cell death in this disease involve neurodegeneration and oxidative stress. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA), a natural toxin that promotes the irreversible suppression of mitochondrial complex II, has been used to understand the HD pathogenesis. This neurotoxin mimics the biochemical, central neurodegeneration, peripheral and behavioral phenotype alterations observed in HD. Here we investigated 3-NPA (60 mg/kg) effects on histological and oxidative stress parameters on brain and muscular tissues. We also evaluated the effects of three antioxidant compounds on 3-NPA-induced behavioral phenotypes in adult zebrafish. For the evaluation of the antioxidant effects, adult zebrafish were submitted to a single acute intraperitoneal injection of vitamin C, creatine, or melatonin following 3-NPA chronic administration (60 mg/kg). 3-NPA treatment caused neurodegeneration, but did not alter the muscular tissue. 3-NPA neither change thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) nor nonprotein thiol levels. Vitamin C and creatine treatments recovered the hypolocomotion induced by 3-NPA. Also, vitamin C and melatonin treatments improved the memory dysfunction caused by 3-NPA. Altogether, our findings showed that the 3-NPA induces neurodegeneration in adult zebrafish, and the vitamin C, creatine, and melatonin are beneficial in managing HD-like behavioral phenotypes. Thus, these antioxidants could be thought as complementary pharmacotherapies for the treatment of late-stage HD symptoms.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2024

Evaluation of behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by carbofuran in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Carbofuran (CF) is a carbamate class pesticide, widely used in agriculture for pest control in crops. On the other hand, CF is also detected as a contaminant in food and water sources. This pesticide has high toxicity in non-target organisms, and its presence in the environment poses a threat to the ecosystem. Research has revealed that this pesticide acts as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), inducing an accumulation of acetylcholine in the brain. Consequently, this leads to the emergence of a cholinergic syndrome and various detrimental effects on human health. Nonetheless, our understanding of CF impact on the central nervous system remains elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CF on behavioral and neurochemical parameters in adult zebrafish. The animals were exposed for 96 hours to different concentrations of CF (5, 50, and 500 {micro}g/L) and subjected to behavioral assessments in the novel tank test (NTT) and social preference test (SPT). Subsequently, they were euthanized, and their brains were used to evaluate neurochemical markers associated with oxidative stress and AChE levels. In the NTT and SPT, CF did not alter the evaluated behavioral parameters. Furthermore, CF did not affect the levels of AChE, non-protein sulfhydryl groups, and thiobarbituric acid reactive species in the zebrafish brain. However, further research is needed regarding the environmental exposure of this compound to non-target organisms.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Association of Oxytetracycline and Florfenicol affects zebrafish larvae behavioral repertoire

The fish farms are increasingly growing and, consequently, the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Florfenicol (FF) are the most common antibiotics applied in the fish production sector and livestock farming. The elucidation of the effects of the antibiotics is essential to control their use and their physiological and pharmacological implications. Here we studied the behavioral effects of the 96 h-exposure to OTC (2, 10, 20, and 100 mg/L), FF (0.01, 0.05, 2 and 10 mg/L) or OTC (10 mg/L) + FF (10 mg/L) in zebrafish larvae. We observed that the covered distance and the movement increased in animals exposed to OTC + FF when compared to control. In addition, fish entered the center of the plate test more often and stayed there longer. The turn angle was reduced at OTC + FF. We also observed that the optomotor response was compromised by 10 and 20 mg/L OTC and to OTC + FF. Our data demonstrated that there is an increase in the number of entries in the center area and time spent in center area for FF- and OTC + FF-treated groups. These data showed that the antibiotics promoted a reduction of anxiety-like behavior allowing larvae to explore more the novel environment as well as a detrimental performance for the optomotor response. HighlightsO_LIFlorfenicol (FF) did not alter exploratory and anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish larvae. C_LIO_LIOxytetracycline (OTC) did not alter exploratory behavior, but there was an increase in the time spent in the center area C_LIO_LIOTC plus FF increased distance and movement in zebrafish larvae. C_LIO_LIOTC plus FF reduced the anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish larvae. C_LIO_LIOptomotor behavior was compromised by treatments with OTC or OTC + FF. C_LI O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=116 SRC="FIGDIR/small/537675v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (28K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1d16125org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@140d161org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@7237eborg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@b5496e_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2019

Effects of anesthetic tricaine on stress and reproductive aspects of South American silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) male

Anesthesia is a common practice used in fish research and aquaculture. For both applications, it is important to understand anesthetics effects on the animal and tissues of interest to ensure the validity of data and to improve animal welfare. Captive fish production is only possible with artificial reproduction, and it is known that manipulation is a stressor stimulus in fish. The most common method of determining fish stress responses is measuring the circulating level of cortisol. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg L-1) of the anesthetic tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) on cortisol levels and their influence on the sperm quality maintenance in Rhamdia quelen. After hormonal induction, 28 sexually mature males (average weight = 363.00 {+/-} 71.24 g) were randomly distributed among treatments, and their semen and blood samples were collected. Anesthesia induction time, motility rate, sperm concentration and morphology, plasma cortisol levels, and reproductive hormones concentrations (testosterone, 17--hydroxyprogesterone, and estradiol) were evaluated. Anesthesia with 100 mg L-1 MS-222 presented a longer induction time than that with 200 and 300 mg L-1 MS-222. Sperm motility rate was significantly higher in the control than in the 300 mg L-1 treatment but did not differ among the control, 100, and 200 mg L-1 treatments. Estradiol level was significantly higher in non-anesthetized than in anesthetized fish, but plasma cortisol levels did not differ significantly between treatments (182.50 {+/-} 42.03 ng mL-1). MS-222 anesthetizes fish by blocking the sodium channels, preventing the development of nerve action potentials. However, MS222 at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1 did not prevent stress in South American silver catfish males. In addition, its use did not maintain sperm quality, as it impaired motility and decreased levels of plasma estradiol.

physiology↗