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The role of alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors in the nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect in zebrafish.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bencan, Z; Levin, ED
Published in: Physiol Behav
October 20, 2008

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been widely used to study the molecular mechanisms of development including neurodevelopment. More recently, they have begun to be used to study neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology. Critical for this line of research are methods to study behavioral function in zebrafish. Previous studies have compared zebrafish with mammalian models to determine similarities and differences in locomotor behavior, learning and memory. Relatively little research has been conducted on stress response and anxiety behavior as well as the pharmacologic response in zebrafish. We have developed a test for zebrafish to assess stress response and anxiety: the novel tank diving test. In this short test normally zebrafish dive to the bottom of a novel tank and then gradually over the 5-min test begin exploring higher levels of the tank. Nicotine, which has anxiolytic effects in rodents and humans was found to diminish this novel tank diving response in zebrafish. The current study examined the nicotinic receptor subtype selectivity involved in the actions of nicotine. Two nicotinic receptor subtype selective antagonists were used: MLA (an alpha7 antagonist) and DHbetaE (an alpha4beta2 antagonist). We replicated our previous finding of the anxiolytic effect of nicotine with significantly less bottom dwelling by the fish after nicotine treatment. This nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect was reversed by both MLA and DHbetaE, indicating that both nicotinic alpha7 and alpha4beta2 receptors are involved in the nicotinic effect on anxiety in zebrafish.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Physiol Behav

DOI

ISSN

0031-9384

Publication Date

October 20, 2008

Volume

95

Issue

3

Start / End Page

408 / 412

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • Zebrafish
  • Swimming
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Nicotinic Antagonists
  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Nicotine
  • Male
  • Immobility Response, Tonic
 

Citation

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Bencan, Z., & Levin, E. D. (2008). The role of alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors in the nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect in zebrafish. Physiol Behav, 95(3), 408–412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.07.009
Bencan, Zachary, and Edward D. Levin. “The role of alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors in the nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect in zebrafish.Physiol Behav 95, no. 3 (October 20, 2008): 408–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.07.009.
Bencan, Zachary, and Edward D. Levin. “The role of alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors in the nicotine-induced anxiolytic effect in zebrafish.Physiol Behav, vol. 95, no. 3, Oct. 2008, pp. 408–12. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2008.07.009.
Journal cover image

Published In

Physiol Behav

DOI

ISSN

0031-9384

Publication Date

October 20, 2008

Volume

95

Issue

3

Start / End Page

408 / 412

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • Zebrafish
  • Swimming
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Nicotinic Antagonists
  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Nicotine
  • Male
  • Immobility Response, Tonic