Eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma can impair vision and even cause blindness. Our work investigates a possible link between these disorders and heavy metal exposure. In order to study this, it is necessary to have a model organism with applicable similarities to the human system. Zebrafish is an excellent subject because of the large amount of shared homology with humans, their small size, and short reproductive cycle. Furthermore, zebrafish serve as excellent model organisms when studying the ocular system since their eyes are similar in morphology, physiology, and function to the human eye. We chose lead as the heavy metal of study due to its well documented toxicity and history. Even a small amount is highly poisonous and extremely toxic in the human body. Exposure to lead, no matter how small, can lead to kidney malfunction and brain damage in adults and decreased learning abilities in children. It is also hugely destructive of the nervous system. Using zebrafish eyes, our goal is to investigate how lead deposits and ultimately effects the ocular system. We intend to do so by 1) developing a practical protocol to acquire microtome sections of the eyes for study 2) exposing the zebrafish to various concentrations of lead and 3) observing whether the ocular development is effected and determining whether lead is deposited and where.

Investigation of the deposition of lead in zebrafish eyes

251st National Meeting (2016)

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