Abstract:

Visually-derived data on embyronic fish are essential for determining morphological indices of effect. Though structural defects in morphology often precede functional defects, physiological indices such as cardiac output and blood flow are commonly measured using visually-derived methods that employ video capture and post-production software. The clear embyro of many fish species is an important attribute that makes a number of species of fish embryos important biomedical and environmental model organisms for basic and applied sciences. However, as the developing fish matures, the degree of pigmentation increases as the fish becomes opaque, making it difficult to see internal structures. These experiments are designed to create a protocol to be used with other fish species to inhibit pigmentation without affecting indices of cardiac function. Using phenylthiourea (PTU), pigmentation is inhibited. Here we use different concentrations of PTU during embryogenesis to determine the concentration where indications of cardiac function and developmental success are not affected.