Subsequent effects of manipulating embryonic neuronal activity

Duke University, Durham NC

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

This proposal will be testing the hypothesis that exposure of the very early embryo to compounds that can impact upon neuronal signaling will result in adults with learning and or behavioral problems. Its three specific aims are: 1) to examine how ectopic signaling through the acetylcholine pathway results in changes that eventually influence adult learning/behavior;2) to test whether signaling interference in the glycine and GABA pathways impact upon adult learning/behavior and to examine the molecular/developmental changes imposed and 3) to evaluate whole embryo effects of environmental chemicals that might affect neuronal signaling. Its potential value to human health is related to the large number of chemicals that have been and are being introduced into our environment without an adequate amount of pediatric or embryonic neurological examination. We have previously found that very early exposure of the zebrafish embryo to chlorpyrifos results in adults with learning deficiencies. In this proposal we plan to examine the early events affected by this challenge and to challenge other neurotransmitter pathways to test the generality of the hypothesis. The technologies used will include behavioral analyses, the creation and use of a number of fluorescent transgenic reporter lines to fish, microarray analysis, and HPLC analysis of neurotransmitter levels.