Abstract

There is a need for fast, efficient, and cost-effective hazard identification and characterization of chemical hazards. This need is generating increased interest in the use of zebrafish embryos as both a screening tool and an alternative to mammalian test methods. A Collaborative Workshop on Aquatic Models and 21st Century Toxicology identified the lack of appropriate and consistent testing protocols as a challenge to the broader application of the zebrafish embryo model. The National Toxicology Program established the Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT) initiative to address the lack of consistent testing guidelines and identify sources of variability for zebrafish-based assays. This report summarizes initial SEAZIT information-gathering efforts. Investigators in academic, government, and industry laboratories that routinely use zebrafish embryos for chemical toxicity testing were asked about their husbandry practices and standard protocols. Information was collected about protocol components including zebrafish strains, feed, system water, disease surveillance, embryo exposure conditions, and endpoints. Literature was reviewed to assess issues raised by the investigators. Interviews revealed substantial variability across design parameters, data collected, and analysis procedures. The presence of the chorion and renewal of exposure media (static versus static-renewal) were identified as design parameters that could potentially influence study outcomes and should be investigated further with studies to determine chemical uptake from treatment solution into embryos. The information gathered in this effort provides a basis for future SEAZIT activities to promote more consistent practices among researchers using zebrafish embryos for toxicity evaluation.

Highlights

  • Traditional mammalian toxicity tests are time-intensive, expensive, and require both large amounts of test chemical and large numbers of animals (NRC, 2007; Rovida and Hartung, 2009)

  • SEAZIT contacted investigators currently using zebrafish embryos for toxicity testing to assess their willingness to participate in group discussions as an information gathering group (IGG)

  • The SEAZIT team discussions with the IGG suggest that husbandry practices and experimental protocol parameters fall into three distinct groups: those which the group felt were unlikely to affect study outcomes and those which we have termed “lesser” and “specific” parameters of concern

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Summary

Introduction

Traditional mammalian toxicity tests are time-intensive, expensive, and require both large amounts of test chemical and large numbers of animals (NRC, 2007; Rovida and Hartung, 2009). In response to a number of factors, including the National Research Council report Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century (NRC, 2007), testing initiatives such as the U.S government’s interagency Tox project This manuscript has been subjected to review by the National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory of the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents reflect the views of the Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use

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