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Zebrafish Larvae's Response to Electricity is Mediated by Dopaminergic Agonists and Antagonists
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  • Arezoo Khalili,
  • Ellen van Wijngaarden,
  • Georg Zoidl,
  • Pouya Rezai
Arezoo Khalili
York University

Corresponding Author:arezookhalili1050@gmail.com

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Ellen van Wijngaarden
York University
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Georg Zoidl
York University
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Pouya Rezai
York University
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Abstract

The signaling molecular mechanisms in zebrafish response to electricity are unknown, so here we asked if changes to dopaminergic signaling pathways can affect their electrically-evoked locomotion. To answer this question, the effects of multiple selective and non-selective dopamine compounds on the electric response of zebrafish larvae is investigated. A microfluidic device with enhanced control of experimentation with multiple larvae is used, which features a novel design to immobilize four zebrafish larvae in parallel and expose them to electric current that induces tail locomotion. In 6 days post-fertilization zebrafish larvae, the electric induced locomotor response is quantified in terms of the tail movement duration and beating frequency to discern the effect of non-lethal concentrations of dopaminergic agonists (apomorphine, SKF-81297, and quinpirole), and antagonists (butaclamol, SCH-23390, and haloperidol). All dopamine antagonists decrease locomotor activity, while dopamine agonists do not induce similar behaviours in larvae. The D2- like selective dopamine agonist quinpirole enhances movement. However, exposure to non-selective and D1-selective dopamine agonists apomorphine and SKF-81297 cause no significant change in the electric response. Exposing larvae that were pre-treated with butaclamol and haloperidol to apomorphine and quinpirole, respectively, restores electric locomotion. The results demonstrate a correlation between electric response and the dopamine signalling pathway. We propose that the electrofluidic assay has profound application potential as a chemical screening method when investigating biological pathways, behaviors, and brain disorders.
14 Oct 2021Submitted to Biotechnology Journal
15 Oct 2021Submission Checks Completed
15 Oct 2021Assigned to Editor
18 Oct 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
02 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
10 Feb 20221st Revision Received
10 Feb 2022Submission Checks Completed
10 Feb 2022Assigned to Editor
10 Feb 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
23 Feb 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Feb 20222nd Revision Received
28 Feb 2022Submission Checks Completed
28 Feb 2022Assigned to Editor
19 Mar 2022Editorial Decision: Accept