Zebrafish: A Pharmacological Model for Learning and Memory Research

Abstract

Learning and memory are essential to organism survival and are conserved across various species, especially vertebrates. Cognitive studies involving learning and memory require using appropriate model organisms to translate relevant findings to humans. Zebrafish are becoming increasingly popular as one of the animal models for neurodegenerative diseases due to their low maintenance cost, prolific nature and amenability to genetic manipulation. More importantly, zebrafish exhibit a repertoire of neurobehaviors comparable to humans. In this review, we discuss the forms of learning and memory abilities in zebrafish and the tests used to evaluate the neurobehaviors in this species. In addition, the pharmacological studies that used zebrafish as models to screen for the effects of neuroprotective and neurotoxic compounds on cognitive performance will be summarized here. Lastly, we discuss the challenges and perspectives in establishing zebrafish as a robust model for cognitive research involving learning and memory. Zebrafish are becoming an indispensable model in learning and memory research for screening neuroprotective agents against cognitive impairment.

Zebrafish Model in Illuminating the Complexities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: A Unique Research Tool

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“…This form of learning is more passive, with behavior modifications occurring automatically due to repeated exposure or changes in stimulus intensity [54]. Typically, the effects of non-associative learning are short-term and specific to the encountered stimulus, including habituation, sensitization (discrimination or novelty), perceptual learning, priming, and recognition memory [21,55].…”

Investigating the Potential of Essential Oils from Citrus reticulata Leaves in Mitigating Memory Decline and Oxidative Stress in the Scopolamine-Treated Zebrafish Model

“…The use of zebrafish addresses certain limitations of mammalian models previously used in research, such as high expense, prolonged assessment times, and complexity of brain imaging. Thus, this model provides a simpler and more accessible platform for investigating AD and other neurological disorders, thereby streamlining the process of developing and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions [ 9 , 10 ].…”

The ram cichlid (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi) learns an associative task: a new fish species for memory research

“…Thus, a large number of laboratories investigate the mechanisms of learning and memory and attempt to model human brain disorders with memory dysfunction using laboratory organisms. Most of these studies employ rodents 5 , but zebrafish have also started to be utilized 6 , 7 . The argument for the latter is that fish are the simplest and evolutionarily oldest vertebrates, thus, they may allow one to discover fundamental, core, mechanisms underlying the biological phenomenon of interest 8 – 10 .…”