Abstract #2954

Using MRI to Quantify Forebrain Development of a Common Neurobehavioral Animal Model, the Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Reared in Different Conditions

Thomas Neuberger¹,², Cairsty Grassie³, Victoria Braithwaite³

¹The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States; ²Department of Bioengineering, Pennsylvania State Univesity, University Park, PA, United States; ³The Center for Brain, Behavior, & Cognition, Department of Ecosystem Science & Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States

The zebrafish is widely recognized as a key model organism in developmental and neurobehavioral research, yet very little is known about how housing and handling have an effect on brain development. Zebrafish were reared in four different treatments that varied in their exposure to environmental enrichment and a chronic mild stress (chasing with a net). After 78 days the fish were culled and imaged (14T system, 20microns resolution). The telencephalon (which processes spatial and emotional learning) was segmented. Our study demonstrates that the development of the zebrafish telencephalon is influenced by environmental factors, but is not affected by handling stress.