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Author
Ferrer Carbonell, Clàudia
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Abstract
Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical compound, and cotinine, its predominant metabolite, are minor alkaloids found in tobacco products. Tobacco consumption is one of the most threatening epidemics affecting public health, causing more than 8 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. These deaths affect not only direct smokers, but also those people exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke.
Zebrafish is the principal non-mammalian vertebrate model organism used for neurotoxicity. It shares major neurotransmitter pathways and nervous system organisation with mammals. Therefore, they are the model organism of choice because not only do they share the monoaminergic system with humans, but they are small, inexpensive and relatively easy to reproduce and maintain.
Thus, the purpose of this research was to determine the acute neurotoxic effects of both nicotine and cotinine by analysing the behaviour and brain neurochemistry in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio). Behavioural tests were conducted by video-tracking analysis technology. Finally, the neurotransmitter profile was assessed using a target methodology capable to detect and determine the amount of 10 neurochemicals in the brain of zebrafish larvae.
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