> subjects. This method also prevents possible complications due to alcohol withdrawal." He noted, however, that it does not reflect the typical situation in humans.

Once in the alcohol solution, the fish were photographed digitally every 30 seconds, and every third image was stored for analysis. Zebrafish normally swim in a cluster in unison, so the procedure allowed nonintrusive monitoring of an inherent behavior.

Processes known as 2-D electrophoresis and MALFI-TOF mass spectrometry were used to identify proteins in the central nervous system that showed increased or decreased expression.

The photographs showed that after a week of alcohol exposure, the fish became less clustered and occupied a larger area of the tank. However, after two weeks of daily exposure, the cluster reformed and behavior returned to normal, suggesting the fish had become alcohol-tolerant.

The abnormal behavior, characterized by increased distance between fish in the group, returned after six weeks exposure, said Rabin, suggesting a progressive increase in behavior disruption.

"We don't know why this change occurred at this point," he said, "but it might indicate accumulated neurotoxic and neurodegenerative effects of chronic alcohol exposure."

Additional researchers on the study were Cynthia A. Dlugos, Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology and anatomical sciences, and Troy D. Wood, Ph.D., professor of chemistry. The research was supported by UB's Interdisciplinary Research and Creative Activities Fund.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York.



Source-Eurekalert
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