Micronized Curcumin Causes Hyperlocomotion in Zebrafish Larvae

Abstract

Zebrafish larvae have been widely used in neuroscience and drug research and development. In the larval stage, zebrafish present a broad behavioral repertoire and physiological responses similar to adults. Curcumin (CUR), a major component of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), has demonstrated the ability to modulate several neurobiological processes relevant to mental disorders in animal models. However, the low bioavailability of this compound can compromise its in vivo biological potential.Interestingly, it has been shown that micronization can increase the biological effects of several compounds. Thus, in this study, we compared the effects of acute exposure for 30 minutes to the following solutions: water (control), 0.1% DMSO (vehicle), 1 μM CUR, or 1 μM micronized curcumin (MC) in zebrafish larvae 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). We analyzed locomotor activity (open tank test), anxiety (light/dark test), and avoidance behavior (aversive stimulus test). Moreover, we evaluated parameters of oxidative status (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and non-protein thiols levels).MC increased the total distance traveled and absolute turn angle in the open tank test.There were no significant differences in the other behavioral or neurochemical outcomes. The increase in locomotion induced by MC may be associated with a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, which was evidenced by the micronization process.

Evaluation of behavioral and neurochemical changes induced by carbofuran in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

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Status epilepticusduring neurodevelopment increases seizure susceptibility: a model study in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…The animal's locomotion and behavior were recorded from the top view (for 6 minutes) and were analyzed using ANY-Maze® software (Stoelting Co., USA). The apparatus (each well) was virtually divided into two areas for video analysis: central area (8.2 mm in diameter) and peripheric area (8 mm in diameter) (Sachett et al, 2022). The parameters analyzed were: total traveled distance (meters), immobility time (seconds), time spent in the central area of the well (seconds) and distance traveled in the central area of the well (meters).…”