Effects of Pesticide or Pharmaceutical Exposures on Zebrafish Biogenic Amine Systems

Exposures to pesticides, either on an occupational basis or during development, are highly correlated with the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Further, exposure to psychoactive pharmaceuticals during development may adversely affect biogenic amine system development resulting in behavioral disorders such as autism. The goal of my research is to examine, in zebrafish, the mechanisms by which pesticides and pharmaceuticals may produce these effects in the biogenic amine system. Zebrafish are used because their genome has been mapped, and they can be reared rapidly for high throughput assays. Zebrafish and mammalian CNS functions are highly conserved. Assays will be performed to examine alterations in the density and functioning of biogenic amine receptors and transporters. Another component of this goal is to develop behavioral models of Parkinson’s disease and autism in the zebrafish focusing on learning and social interaction.

Relevant publications: Gould GG, Brooks BW, Frazer A. 2007. [(3)H] citalopram binding to serotonin transporter sites in minnow brains. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 101(3):203-10. Link to publisher: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00100.x