Dataset Information

An open-source method to analyze optokinetic reflex responses in larval zebrafish.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Optokinetic reflex (OKR) responses provide a convenient means to evaluate oculomotor, integrative and afferent visual function in larval zebrafish models, which are commonly used to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying development, disease and repair of the vertebrate nervous system. NEW METHOD:We developed an open-source MATLAB-based solution for automated quantitative analysis of OKR responses in larval zebrafish. The package includes applications to: (i) generate sinusoidally-transformed animated grating patterns suitable for projection onto a cylindrical screen to elicit the OKR; (ii) determine and record the angular orientations of the eyes in each frame of a video recording showing the OKR response; and (iii) analyze angular orientation data from the tracking program to yield a set of parameters that quantify essential elements of the OKR. The method can be employed without modification using the operating manual provided. In addition, annotated source code is included, allowing users to modify or adapt the software for other applications. RESULTS:We validated the algorithms and measured OKR responses in normal larval zebrafish, showing good agreement with published quantitative data, where available. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S):We provide the first open-source method to elicit and analyze the OKR in larval zebrafish. The wide range of parameters that are automatically quantified by our algorithms significantly expands the scope of quantitative analysis previously reported. CONCLUSIONS:Our method for quantifying OKR responses will be useful for numerous applications in neuroscience using the genetically- and chemically-tractable zebrafish model.

SUBMITTER: Scheetz SD

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5708171 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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An open-source method to analyze optokinetic reflex responses in larval zebrafish.

Scheetz Seth D SD Shao Enhua E Zhou Yangzhong Y Cario Clinton L CL Bai Qing Q Burton Edward A EA

Journal of neuroscience methods 20171016

<h4>Background</h4>Optokinetic reflex (OKR) responses provide a convenient means to evaluate oculomotor, integrative and afferent visual function in larval zebrafish models, which are commonly used to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying development, disease and repair of the vertebrate nervous system.<h4>New method</h4>We developed an open-source MATLAB-based solution for automated quantitative analysis of OKR responses in larval zebrafish. The package includes applications to: (i) generat ...[more]

PMID: 29042258

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Project description:A mild traumatic brain injury is a neurological disturbance of transient or/and chronic nature after a direct blow of the head/neck or exposure of the body to impulsive biomechanical forces, indirectly affecting the brain. The neuropathological events leading to the clinical signs, symptoms and functional disturbances are still elusive due to a lack of sensitive brain-screening tools. Animal models offer the potential to study neural pathomechanisms in close detail. We recently proposed a non-invasive protocol for inducing concussion-like symptoms in larval zebrafish via exposure to rapid linearly accelerating-decelerating body motion. By mean of auditory 'startle reflex habituation' assessments-an established neurophysiological health index-we probed acute and chronic effects that mirror human concussion patterns. This study aimed at expanding our previous work by assessing the ensuing effects with visual-as opposed to auditory-'startle reflex habituation' quantifications, by using the same methodology. We observed that immediately after impact exposure, the fish showed impaired sensory reactivity and smaller decay constant, possibly mirroring acute signs of confusion or loss of consciousness in humans. By 30-min post-injury, the fish display temporary signs of visual hypersensitivity, manifested as increased visuomotor reactivity and a relatively enlarged decay constant, putatively reflecting human post-concussive sign of visual hypersensitivity. In the following 5-24 h, the exposed fish progressively develop chronic signs of CNS dysfunction, in the form of low startle responsivity. However, the preserved decay constant suggests that neuroplastic changes may occur to restore CNS functioning after undergoing the 'concussive procedure'. The observed findings expand our previous work providing further behavioural evidence for the model. Limitations that still require addressment are discussed, advancing further behavioural and microscopic analyses that would be necessary for the validation of the model in its putative relatability with human concussion.

Dataset Information

An open-source method to analyze optokinetic reflex responses in larval zebrafish.

Publications

An open-source method to analyze optokinetic reflex responses in larval zebrafish.

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