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ALTERATIONS IN MELANIN CONTENT IN RESPONSE TO OXIDATIVE STRESS IN EMBRYONIC ZEBRAFISH.**

Abstract

Vitiligo is a common disorder of the epidermal layer of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by areas lacking pigmentation. While the etiology of the disease is not clear, a number of theories have been put forward including oxidative stress as a causative agent. In order to investigate this possibility, we have measured the melanin content in juvenile zebrafish following oxidative stress induced by administration of 1 mM hydrogen peroxide for 0, 5, 10 and 15 minutes at one day post-fertilization (1 dpf). Embryos were washed and returned to egg water to continue development until 5 dpf when they were anesthetized and dissolved in 1N NaOH. In order to determine whether exposure to light exacerbated the reaction to oxidative stress, we performed this experiment on embryos exposed to light or kept in the dark throughout the development period. Following dissolution, melanin and protein content were determined by colorimetric spectrophotometry. This research is ongoing and no conclusive results are yet available. However, we have noticed a trend of delayed hatching in response to oxidative stress and/or lack of light exposure. We have also observed decreased heart rates during oxidative stress.

Acknowledgements

GCSU Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Katherine Moen, and Kathryn McGraw

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