Abstract
Zebrafish are a powerful research tool in the field of neuroscience, offering several logistical and physiological advantages over rodents as a research model. However, the molecular dynamics of this model organism, especially with regards to learning and memory, are scarcely known. The current study explored the zebrafish brain for the presence of a protein bearing a similar function to the activity-regulated, cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), a critical player in synaptic plasticity. The adult zebrafish brain was found to express a protein with immunoreactivity against the anti-Arc antibody H-300. Immunoreactivity was detected ubiquitously, especially in areas known as adult progenitor cell zones. The protein, termed Arc-immunoreactive protein (AIP), increased in the telencephalon but not the optic tectum 60 min after exposure to a novel environment. Epileptiform brain activity, however, did not induce AIP expression. Evidence presented herein suggests AIP may be the neuropeptide Y receptor rather than a zebrafish homolog of Arc.
Recommended Citation
Mans, Robert A.; Hinton, Kyle D.; Rumer, Amanda E.; Zellner, Kourtnei A.; Blankenship, Emily A.; Kerkes, Lia M.; Hamilton, Michael J.; Reilly, Theresa R.; and Payne, Cicely H.
(2018)
"Expression of an Arc-Immunoreactive Protein in the Adult Zebrafish Brain Increases in Response to a Novel Environment,"
Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 76, No. 2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol76/iss2/2