Work

Sublethal effects of acidified water on sensorimotor responses and the transcriptome of zebrafish embryos

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Acidification of freshwater due to human activities is a widespread environmental problem. Its effects on the sensorimotor responses of fish, particularly during embryonic stages, may affect population fitness. To address this, zebrafish embryos were exposed to water at pH 7, 5 and 4.5 (adjusted with HCl) for 120 h. Acidic water did not increase mortality or cause obvious morphological abnormalities but reduced the size of the inner ear organs (otic vesicle and otolith) and the eye lens. It also suppressed ion uptake (Na + , Ca 2+ , K + ) and induced embryonic acidosis . Behavioral tests at 4 or 5 days post fertilization revealed significant sensorimotor impairments: reduced touch-evoked escape responses (TEER), decreased acoustic startle responses (ASR) and decreased cadaverine avoidance responses (CAR). There were no effects on speed, acceleration and optomotor responses (OMR). Transcriptomic analyses identified 114 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ion transport , sensorimotor functions and other physiological processes . Overall, the jeopardizing effect of freshwater acidification threatens survival, highlighting the ecological risks and its potential impacts on fish populations.

Source: Chemosphere

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143984

Authors: Jiun-Lin Horng, Kuan-Yi Lee, Li-Yih Lin

Institutions: Taipei Medical University, National Taiwan Normal University

Language: English

Topic: Ocean Acidification Effects and Responses

Subfield: Oceanography

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760