The Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model for Studying Voluntary Physical Exercise and its Effects on Behavior and Metabolism

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a viable and low-cost model of voluntary physical exercise that could be applied to studies on metabolism and behavior. 40 male zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied, divided into two groups: control and voluntary physical exercise. The model consis...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Moises Silvestre de Azevedo Martins, William Franco Carneiro, Bárbara do Carmo Rodrigues Virote, André Rodrigues da Cunha Barreto Vianna, Luis David Solis Murgas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Instituto de Tecnologia do Paraná (Tecpar) 2023-02-01
Series:Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-89132023000100413&lng=en&tlng=en
Description
Summary:Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a viable and low-cost model of voluntary physical exercise that could be applied to studies on metabolism and behavior. 40 male zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied, divided into two groups: control and voluntary physical exercise. The model consisted of two aquariums connected by a translucent tube and a video camera on the side to measure physical exercise parameters of the animals. The animals showed higher acceleration and maximum speed and had a higher frequency of activity in the light period. In this model of voluntary physical exercise, we observed better performance in locomotor assessment tests, which was not accompanied by increased anxiety or changes in biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism. Zebrafish responded positively to voluntary physical exercise and this model appears to be a good option for further studies.
ISSN:1678-4324