1. Pharmacological analyses of learning and memory in zebrafish (Danio rerio).
- Author
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Bailey JM, Oliveri AN, and Levin ED
- Subjects
- Animals, Cognition drug effects, Cognition physiology, Executive Function drug effects, Executive Function physiology, Models, Animal, Psychotropic Drugs pharmacology, Behavior, Animal drug effects, Behavior, Animal physiology, Learning drug effects, Learning physiology, Memory drug effects, Memory physiology, Zebrafish physiology
- Abstract
Over the last decade, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become valuable as a complementary model in behavioral pharmacology, opening a new avenue for understanding the relationships between drug action and behavior. This species offers a useful intermediate approach bridging the gap between in vitro studies and traditional mammalian models. Zebrafish offer great advantages of economy compared to their rodent counterparts, their complex brains and behavioral repertoire offer great translational potential relative to in vitro models. The development and validation of a variety of tests to measure behavior, including cognition, in zebrafish have set the stage for the use of this animal for behavioral pharmacology studies. This has led to research into the basic mechanisms of cognitive function as well as screening for potential cognition-improving drug therapies, among other lines of research. As with all models, zebrafish have limitations, which span pharmacokinetic challenges to difficulties quantifying behavior. The use, efficacy and limitations associated with a zebrafish model of cognitive function are discussed in this review, within the context of behavioral pharmacology., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
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