PUBLICATION

Valproic acid affects neurogenesis during early optic tectum development in zebrafish

Authors
Dixon, S.C., Calder, B.J., Lilya, S.M., Davies, B.M., Martin, A., Peterson, M., Hansen, J.M., Suli, A.
ID
ZDB-PUB-221221-3
Date
2022
Source
Biology Open   12(1): (Journal)
Registered Authors
Suli, Arminda
Keywords
Axonogenesis, Dendritogenesis, Neurogenesis, Optic Tectum, Valproic Acid, Zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Neurogenesis
  • Superior Colliculi
  • Valproic Acid*/adverse effects
  • Zebrafish
PubMed
36537579 Full text @ Biol. Open
Abstract
The mammalian superior colliculus and its non-mammalian homolog, the optic tectum (OT), are midbrain structures that integrate multimodal sensory inputs and guide non-voluntary movements in response to prevalent stimuli. Recent studies have implicated this structure as a possible site affected in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Interestingly, fetal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) has also been associated with an increased risk of ASD in humans and animal models. Therefore, we took the approach of determining the effects of VPA treatment on zebrafish OT development as a first step in identifying the mechanisms that allow its formation. We describe the normal OT development during the first 5 days of development and show that in VPA treated embryos, neuronal specification and neuropil formation was delayed. VPA treatment was most detrimental during the first three days of development and did not appear to be linked to oxidative stress. In conclusion, our work provides a foundation for research into mechanisms driving OT development, as well as the relationship between the OT, VPA, and ASD.
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