Spinal Cord Transection in the Larval Zebrafish

Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2014 · DOI: doi:10.3791/51479 · Published: May 21, 2014

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Mammals often experience permanent paralysis and sensory loss after spinal cord injury because their axons don't regrow, and they can't restart neurogenesis. Zebrafish, however, can recover even after their spinal cord is completely severed. The adult zebrafish is a popular model for studying spinal cord injury recovery. This study uses transparent larval zebrafish to examine the regenerative process in vivo and take advantage of genetic tools not accessible in the adult. This article presents a reproducible method for transecting the spinal cord of larval zebrafish. After transection, sensory recovery starts around 2 days post-injury, C-bend movement is seen by 3 days, and free swimming resumes by 5 days.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Over 3,600 larval zebrafish

Evidence Level

Basic Protocol

Key Findings

1
The presented method allows for high throughput spinal cord transections in larval zebrafish with low mortality and high reproducibility.
2
Larval zebrafish show sensory recovery beginning at 2 days post-injury (dpi), C-bend movement detectable by 3 dpi, and resumption of free swimming by 5 dpi.
3
Axons are absent from the injury site at 1 dpi but have crossed the injury site by 5 dpi, indicating axonal regrowth.

Research Summary

This video article details a method for performing spinal cord transections on larval zebrafish to study regeneration. Unlike mammals, zebrafish exhibit robust recovery after spinal cord injury. The protocol involves using a beveled microinjection pipette to transect the spinal cord of 5-day-old larvae. The method is high-throughput, with low mortality rates. The study demonstrates rapid recovery of sensory and locomotor functions in the injured larvae, with evidence of axonal regrowth across the injury site within a few days.

Practical Implications

In Vivo Regeneration Studies

The larval zebrafish model allows for in vivo observation of spinal cord regeneration, providing insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of recovery.

Genetic Tool Application

The use of larval zebrafish facilitates the application of genetic tools to study the roles of specific genes in the regenerative process, which is not easily achievable in adult zebrafish.

Drug Discovery and Screening

The high-throughput nature of the method enables the screening of drugs and other therapeutic interventions to promote spinal cord regeneration.

Spinal Cord Transection in the Larval Zebrafish

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

In Vivo Regeneration Studies

Genetic Tool Application

Drug Discovery and Screening

Study Limitations

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Spinal Cord Transection in the Larval Zebrafish

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

In Vivo Regeneration Studies

Genetic Tool Application

Drug Discovery and Screening

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?