Objective: The current study aims to establish a zebrafish model of PD using MPTP neurotoxin and the validation of the MPTP effect through swimming behavior assessment along with validating the IP as an effective and affordable method of drug delivery into adult zebrafish

Background: 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is among the commonest neurotoxins used to induce Parkinson’s disease (PD) in animal models as it triggers selective dopaminergic neurodegeneration. The zebrafish has been well established as an ideal model of PD.

Method: To establish the PD model, we performed intraperitoneal injection of MPTP (100µg/g body weight) into three-month-old zebrafish. Saline was given to the control group. Precautions were taken during the injection to minimize stress. After the injection, zebrafish were transferred to a recovery tank containing anti-bacterial treatment to aid the healing process. To validate the effect of MPTP, we assessed the swimming behavior in an open field test. We analyzed the swimming patterns (swimming distance, velocity, mobility state, and freezing bouts) using EthoVision XT tracking software. The results were statistically compared between the MPTP-induced group and the control group. Further, we present a method for intraabdominal injection into adult zebrafish that is safe, reproducible, and only requires minimal skill.

Results: Assessment of the swimming patterns showed lesser swimming distance, velocity, and mobility, and higher freezing bouts in the MPTP-induced group compared to the control group, mimicking bradykinesia and dyskinesia of human PD. No mortality was recorded throughout the injection procedure, suggesting a safe MPTP delivery technique. We demonstrated the utility of the intraabdominal injection in inducing Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the zebrafish model by injecting 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxin. The injection significantly reduced the swimming activities of the zebrafish, indicating the appearance of PD-like symptoms.

Conclusion: Neuronal damage resulted from MPTP neurotoxin-induced PD-like symptoms in adult zebrafish, which can be validated by assessing the swimming patterns in an open field test.  Findings from this study showed efficient intraabdominal delivery of the MPTP neurotoxin from the abdominal cavity, into the zebrafish system then to the brain.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/establishing-and-validating-1-methyl-2-phenyl-1236-tetrahydropyridine-mptp-induced-zebrafish-model-of-parkinsons-disease/