Responses of zebrafish to chronic environmental stressors: anxiety-like behavior and its persistence
IntroductionFish in natural ecosystems face long-term environmental stressors, with anxiety being a critical stress response. This study investigates how chronic stressors—predators, social isolation, and caffeine—affect anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and exami...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-03-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Marine Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1551595/full |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | IntroductionFish in natural ecosystems face long-term environmental stressors, with anxiety being a critical stress response. This study investigates how chronic stressors—predators, social isolation, and caffeine—affect anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and examines the persistence of these effects post-stressor removal.MethodsZebrafish were exposed to three stressors for 14 days. Anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels were measured for up to 28 days following the removal of the stressors.ResultsChronic predator stress significantly increased anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels, persisting for at least seven days post-removal. Social isolation reduced anxiety-like behavior and cortisol levels, with effects lasting no less than one day after re-socialization. Caffeine induced temporary anxiolytic effects, reversing one day post-withdrawal and persisting for at least seven days, while cortisol levels remained elevated.DiscussionZebrafish exhibit stressor-specific behavioral and physiological changes with varying persistence. These findings enhance understanding of fish responses to environmental stressors, offering insights into their survival strategies and ecosystem health. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2296-7745 |