.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Zebrafish as a Model Organism to Study Neurotoxicity: A Potential Tool for Neuroprotective Drug Discovery
.png){kind=icon}
PRE
AI
K
P
S
DOI：10.2174/0113892002418502251128110509.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Introduction Danio rerio, the zebrafish, serves as an excellent model in neuroprotective drug discovery due to its conserved nervous system organization, neurotransmitter pathways, antioxidant defenses, and genomic similarity to mammals.Methods A systematic literature search following PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2020 and 2025 were prioritized, with earlier key papers included for context. The data on larval, adult, and genetically modified zebrafish models were analyzed for neurotoxic effects, focusing on study design, toxicants, and neurobehavioral or molecular outcomes.Results Neurotoxicants such as chlorpyrifos, bisphenol, triphenyl phosphate, aluminum, ammonium acetate, arsenic, zinc, acrylamide, methylmercury, and tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate were shown to cross the zebrafish blood-brain barrier. These exposures caused significant behavioral alterations, neurotransmitter imbalances, oxidative stress, and gene or protein expression changes related to brain function. Analysis of the transgenic zebrafish revealed notable alterations in neuronal development and axonal morphology upon exposure to various neurotoxic chemicals.Discussion Zebrafish display neurotoxic responses with a close resemblance to mammals, supporting their translational value in neurotoxicity and drug discovery studies. However, limitations such as a less complex brain compared to mammals, quick neuronal regeneration, limited tissue access, and difficulties in drug absorption quantification warrant refinements in zebrafish models.Conclusion Zebrafish offer a versatile, cost-effective, and genetically tractable system for neurotoxicity and neuroprotection research. This systematic review highlights their crucial role in neuroprotective drug discovery while emphasizing the need for improved methodological approaches to enhance translational reliability.
Keywords:
Acetylcholinesterase
cognitive deficits
Danio rerio
excitotoxicity
locomotor deficits
neurotoxicity
Journal
C
IF:
1.8
Papers:
45
Citations:
4.3K
Organization
Cited Papers