PIF2024 - TOXIPARK: Analyzing the adverse effect of neurotoxic pollutants on the motor function of aquatic organism by using innovative in-house developed behavioral analysis platforms (PID2023-148502OB-C21)

Motor function is modulated by dopaminergic neurons at the central nervous system, and accidental or occupational exposure to some neurotoxic chemicals has been demonstrated to lead to a parkinsonian syndrome characterized by slow movements, parkinsonian gait, stiffness, tremors and loss of balance. There are evidences that some aquatic organisms are also sensitive to chemicals targeting dopaminergic neurons in mammals and that the exposure to these chemicals leads to decreased dopamine levels and hypolocomotion. The main hypothesis of this proposal is that the exposure of fish to environmental levels of some neurotoxic compounds could lead to a parkinsonian-like syndrome, including both motor defects and associated non-motor effects. To test this hypothesis, first of all it will be necessary to develop, refine and update the videotracking tools for: 1) assessing motor defects in zebrafish (embryos and adults) by analyzing the kinematics of the movement , and (2) assessing associated non-motor effects such as cardiovascular problems and sleep/wake cycle impairment. Before including these methodologies in our neurotoolbox they will be conveniently validated. Then, chemical models of parkinsonian-like syndrome will be developed in zebrafish and the construct validity of these models will be analyzed. It is believed that the compounds currently known to induce motor defects (MPTP, rotenone, paraquat) are only the tip of the iceberg, and that many other compounds in use may have