7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals
Aggressive behavior is regulated by intricate neural circuits and molecular mechanisms, notably through the interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which influences neuroplasticity and related behavioral phenotypes. We investig...
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2025-05-01
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| author | Shufei Xu Xinna Ma Yang Xiao Tao Zhang Chao Ma Zhen Ma |
| author_facet | Shufei Xu Xinna Ma Yang Xiao Tao Zhang Chao Ma Zhen Ma |
| author_sort | Shufei Xu |
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| description | Aggressive behavior is regulated by intricate neural circuits and molecular mechanisms, notably through the interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which influences neuroplasticity and related behavioral phenotypes. We investigate the role of the BDNF signaling pathway in fish aggression using juvenile black rockfish (<i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>), which exhibit distinct aggressive phenotypes. The TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg to assess its effects on the behavioral characteristics of high-aggression (H-agg) and low-aggression (L-agg) phenotypes. Our findings indicate the following: (1) The effects of 7,8-DHF are dose-dependent, with 2.5 mg/kg identified as the effective threshold dose for H-agg individuals; (2) in the H-agg group, this dose significantly reduced locomotor acceleration, angular velocity, and activity frequency, while prolonging the first movement latency; (3) in the L-agg group, only angular velocity was significantly decreased with the 2.5 mg/kg treatment, with no significant changes observed in other behavioral parameters. This study provides the first evidence for differential behavioral responses to 7,8-DHF in <i>S. schlegelii</i>, demonstrating dose-dependent aggression suppression in H-agg phenotypes and threshold-specific responses in L-agg phenotypes. These insights into the neuro-molecular basis of fish aggression can guide phenotype-specific management in aquaculture, potentially improving stress management, reducing injuries and mortality, and boosting productivity. |
| format | Article |
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| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-565aa8b205cd42d8975edf6c105fdcf72025-08-20T01:56:55ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-05-011510146310.3390/ani151014637,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic IndividualsShufei Xu0Xinna Ma1Yang Xiao2Tao Zhang3Chao Ma4Zhen Ma5Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, ChinaKey Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, ChinaKey Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, ChinaTianzheng Industrial Co., Ltd., Dalian 116021, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116081, ChinaKey Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, ChinaAggressive behavior is regulated by intricate neural circuits and molecular mechanisms, notably through the interaction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with its receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which influences neuroplasticity and related behavioral phenotypes. We investigate the role of the BDNF signaling pathway in fish aggression using juvenile black rockfish (<i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>), which exhibit distinct aggressive phenotypes. The TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg to assess its effects on the behavioral characteristics of high-aggression (H-agg) and low-aggression (L-agg) phenotypes. Our findings indicate the following: (1) The effects of 7,8-DHF are dose-dependent, with 2.5 mg/kg identified as the effective threshold dose for H-agg individuals; (2) in the H-agg group, this dose significantly reduced locomotor acceleration, angular velocity, and activity frequency, while prolonging the first movement latency; (3) in the L-agg group, only angular velocity was significantly decreased with the 2.5 mg/kg treatment, with no significant changes observed in other behavioral parameters. This study provides the first evidence for differential behavioral responses to 7,8-DHF in <i>S. schlegelii</i>, demonstrating dose-dependent aggression suppression in H-agg phenotypes and threshold-specific responses in L-agg phenotypes. These insights into the neuro-molecular basis of fish aggression can guide phenotype-specific management in aquaculture, potentially improving stress management, reducing injuries and mortality, and boosting productivity.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/10/14637,8-DHFdose-dependent responsebehavioral phenotypingaggressive behavior<i>Sebastes schlegelii</i> |
| spellingShingle | Shufei Xu Xinna Ma Yang Xiao Tao Zhang Chao Ma Zhen Ma 7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals Animals 7,8-DHF dose-dependent response behavioral phenotyping aggressive behavior <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i> |
| title | 7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals |
| title_full | 7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals |
| title_fullStr | 7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals |
| title_full_unstemmed | 7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals |
| title_short | 7,8-DHF Modulates Aggressive Behavior in <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i>: Phenotype-Dependent Responses in Aggression-Dimorphic Individuals |
| title_sort | 7 8 dhf modulates aggressive behavior in i sebastes schlegelii i phenotype dependent responses in aggression dimorphic individuals |
| topic | 7,8-DHF dose-dependent response behavioral phenotyping aggressive behavior <i>Sebastes schlegelii</i> |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/10/1463 |
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