The Zebrafish Embryo Toxicity Assay (ZETA): an efficient tool for drug screening/chemical toxicity assessment

Our ZETA test is a 4-day, high-throughput, inexpensive tool for chemical toxicity and drug activity. It follows OECD guideline draft (Fish Embryo Toxicity Test) for the testing of chemicals (Fraysse et al, 2006). At established stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) development, morphological, physiological and behavioral endpoints were quantified for non-exposed and exposed embryos, included cardiovascular effects of substances. The present image illustrates borderline effects of an environmental toxicant on cardiac frequency. We are currently using ZETA for the study of cardioactivity and teratogenicity of toxicants and new substances.

Fraysse, B., Mons, R., Garric, J. (2006). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 63:253-367.

 

Submitting Author:
Dr. Daniel Rodriguez-Ithurralde
Authors:
Dr. Daniel Rodriguez-Ithurralde , Mrs. Luisa Barrios , Mrs. Isabella Benvenuto , Mrs. Viviana Bortagaray , Mrs. Rosa Cruces , Mrs. Gabriela del Puerto , Mrs. Alicia Soza , Dr. Andrea Saravia

 

The ciliated protozoo Coleps, a frequent aquaria resident, is able to kill and eat zebrafish larvae.

Coleps are common freshwater ciliated Prostomatea with barrel-shaped bodies, usually less than 100 micrometers long. They prey on a variety of aquatic organisms, including fish eggs and larva. Here we are showing them voraciously feeding from a dead zebrafish embryo. With its sharp teeth and its rapid revolution, they are able to kill and eat baby (4-7 day old) zebrafish (Mazanec, A. & Trevarrow, B., 1998). We found that they can make quickly disappear entire baby zebrafish stocks.

Mazanec, A. & Trevarrow, B., 1998, Zebrafish Sci. Monitor, Vol. 5.1. http://zfin.org/zf_info/monitor/vol5.1.html#Coleps, Scourge of the Baby Zebrafish

 

Submitting Author:
Ms. Isabella Benvenuto
Authors:
Ms. Isabella Benvenuto , Dr. Daniel Rodriguez-Ithurralde