Pharmacological zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of ADHD: behavioral effects of embryonic exposure to nicotine

• Grant number: 25/04212-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Principal Investigator: Percilia Cardoso Giaquinto
• Grantee: Milena Souza Almeida
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The origin and pathophysiology of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are not fully understood: it is a neurodevelopmental disorder with excessive symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, which may or may not be present together in an individual. ADHD involves several possible risk factors, including genetic and environmental aspects, such as smoking. To a better comprehencion about the connection between genes and environment at the development of the disorder, besides investigating the pathophysiology and new medications, it is very important to develop animal models. Therefore, the present study proposes to investigate pharmacological models of ADHD in zebrafish, evaluating the influence of embryonic exposure to nicotine at the typical behaviors of the disorder in young fish (30 days post-fertilization - dpf) and adults (90 dpf). Thereunto, there will be 2 experimental groups with 30 animals per group: exposed to nicotine group (25 µM) and control group (without exposure to any substance). The behavioral tests performed will be: novel tank test, mirror test and T-maze test, which simulate ADHD symptoms in zebrafish. The animals will also undergo tests after treatment with methylphenidate (Ritalin) at a concentration of 100µM. (AU)