Does chondroitin sulphate act as an ‘alarm cue’ in zebrafish?

Abstract

Zebrafish are aquatic organisms that are capable of detecting the injury of others in their species via an olfactory ‘alarm cue’ that is released by injured fish. Chondroitin sulphate, a chemical compound extracted from shark cartilage, has recently been identified as a possible ‘alarm cue’. The aim of this study was to determine whether, and at which concentration, chondroitin sulphate could induce a behavioural response. This was assessed via a dose-response curve in which fish were dosed with varying concentrations of chondroitin sulphate (1, 10, and 100 mg/L), and tested in an open field test followed by a novel object approach test. We assessed the time fish spent in certain zones within the testing arena, the distance each fish moved, and the amount of time fish was immobile. There was a significant increase in the time fish in the 1 mg/L and 100 mg/L groups spent in the thigmotaxis zone during the novel object approach test in comparison to the control condition. This suggests an increase in anxiety-like behaviour with certain doses of chondroitin sulphate.

Faculty Mentors: Trevor Hamilton and Michele Moscicki

Department: Psychology