A locomotion-based assay to measure prepulse inhibition in zebrafish larvae

Read, E.; Hindges, R.

doi:10.1101/2023.09.29.560094

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.09.29.560094

A locomotion-based assay to measure prepulse inhibition in zebrafish larvae

Read, E.·Hindges, R.

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Abstract

Sensory gating, assessed using a prepulse inhibition assay (PPI), is a promising endophenotype of neuropsychiatric disorders that can be measured in larval zebrafish models. However, current PPI assays require high-speed cameras to capture rapid c-bend startle behaviours. In this study, we designed and employed a PPI paradigm that uses locomotion as read-out of startle responses. PPI percentage was measured at a maximum of 86% and this was reduced to 42% upon administration of an NMDA receptor antagonist, MK-801. This work provides the foundation for simpler and more accessible PPI assays using larval zebrafish to model key endophenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Read, E., Hindges, R.. 2023-09-29. A locomotion-based assay to measure prepulse inhibition in zebrafish larvae. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.09.29.560094

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