Time to (finally) acknowledge that fish have emotionality and pain

The increasing work using fish as a model organism calls for a better understanding of their sentience. While growing evidence suggests that pain and emotionality exist in zebrafish, many deniers continue to ignore the evidence. Here we revisit the main conceptual breakthroughs in the field that argue clearly for pain and emotionality. We call for an end to denial and a focus on studying the mechanisms of fish pain and emotionality, and their translational relevance to human conditions

Abnormal repetitive behaviors in zebrafish and their relevance to human brain disorders

Abnormal repetitive behaviors (ARBs) are a prominent symptom of numerous human brain disorders and are commonly seen in rodent models as well. While rodent studies of ARBs continue to dominate the field, mounting evidence suggests that zebrafish (Danio rerio) also display ARB-like phenotypes and may therefore be a novel model organism for ARB research. In addition to clear practical research advantages as a model species, zebrafish share high genetic and physiological homology to humans and rodents, including multiple ARB-related genes and robust behaviors relevant to ARB. Here, we discuss a wide spectrum of stereotypic repetitive behaviors in zebrafish, data on their genetic and pharmacological modulation, and the overall translational relevance of fish ARBs to modeling human brain disorders. Overall, the zebrafish is rapidly emerging as a new promising model to study ARBs and their underlying mechanisms. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

Time to (finally) acknowledge that fish have emotionality and pain

The increasing work using fish as a model organism calls for a better understanding of their sentience. While growing evidence suggests that pain and emotionality exist in zebrafish, many deniers continue to ignore the evidence. Here we revisit the main conceptual breakthroughs in the field that argue clearly for pain and emotionality. We call for an end to denial and a focus on studying the mechanisms of fish pain and emotionality, and their translational relevance to human conditions

Developing zebrafish experimental animal models relevant to schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severely debilitating, lifelong psychiatric disorder affecting approximately 1% of global population. The pathobiology of schizophrenia remains poorly understood, necessitating further translational research in this field. Experimental (animal) models are becoming indispensable for studying schizophrenia-related phenotypes and pro/antipsychotic drugs. Mounting evidence suggests the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a useful tool to model various phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia. In addition to their complex robust behaviors, zebrafish possess high genetic and physiological homology to humans, and are also sensitive to drugs known to reduce or promote schizophrenia clinically. Here, we summarize findings on zebrafish application to modeling schizophrenia, as well as discuss recent progress and remaining challenges in this field. We also emphasize the need in further development and wider use of zebrafish models for schizophrenia to better understand its pathogenesis and enhance the search for new effective antipsychotics