Calcium Imaging Characterize the Neurobiological Effect of Terahertz Radiation in Zebrafish Larvae

(1) Objective: To explore the neurobiological effects of terahertz (THz) radiation on zebrafish larvae using calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) imaging technology. (2) Methods: Zebrafish larvae at 7 days post fertilization (dpf) were exposed to THz radiation for 10 or 20 min; the frequency was 2....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xin Song, Haibin Li, Xiuyun Liu, Meijun Pang, Yuye Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-09-01
Series:Sensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/18/7689
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Summary:(1) Objective: To explore the neurobiological effects of terahertz (THz) radiation on zebrafish larvae using calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) imaging technology. (2) Methods: Zebrafish larvae at 7 days post fertilization (dpf) were exposed to THz radiation for 10 or 20 min; the frequency was 2.52 THz and the amplitude 50 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>. The behavioral experiments, neural Ca<sup>2+</sup> imaging, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of the dopamine-related genes were conducted following the irradiation. (3) Results: Compared with the control group, the behavioral experiments demonstrated that THz radiation significantly increased the distance travelled and speed of zebrafish larvae. In addition, the maximum acceleration and motion frequency were elevated in the 20 min radiation group. The neural Ca<sup>2+</sup> imaging results indicated a substantial increase in zebrafish neuronal activity. qPCR experiments revealed a significant upregulation of dopamine-related genes, such as <i>drd2b</i>, <i>drd4a</i>, <i>slc6a3</i> and <i>th</i>. (4) Conclusion: THz radiation (2.52 THz, 50 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>, 20 min) upregulated dopamine-related genes and significantly enhanced neuronal excitability, and the neurobiological effect of THz radiation can be visualized using neural Ca<sup>2+</sup> imaging in vivo.
ISSN:1424-8220