The purpose of this research is to make a quantitative correlation between optic nerve damage and zebrafish (<i>Danio rerio</i>) behavioral changes when dosed with heavy metals. There is a large framework of information about the gap43 gene of zebrafish due to the similarity of iris characteristics with humans. There is also a large framework around these fish and the danger of depository heavy metals from the environment. However, few studies show how these two events may relate to each other. An examination of different zebrafish, all the same age, will take place. Dose groups (n = 10) are control, low, medium, high concentrations of the main heavy metal found in their natural habitat, lead (Pb). Light-dark behavioral tests will provide information showing how metal affects the zebrafish natural behavior. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) concentrations will be determined under a modified florescence microscope to visualize the damage of the optic nerve by quantifying the GFP increase as the gap43 protein is produced during repair. Wax sample holders were made to represent the axons. We will present the method validation results using the modified microscope. Initial fluorescence results show a visual difference with different widths and lengths of wax cuts.

Quantifying damage in <i>gap43</i> modified zebrafish optic nerve post metal dosage

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Quantifying damage in gap43 modified zebrafish optic nerve post metal dosage