Research Article
From Tank to Therapy: Using Zebrafish as an Alternative Model for Research in Depression
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.13-11-2024.2355679, author={Surendra Vada and Snehal Kodachawadkar and Rakshitha KB and Manjunatha PM and Rohini S and Vinutha M and Uday Raj Sharma and Suresh Janadri and Haribabu. T and Nageena Taj and Jyostna SK and Tanuja NK}, title={From Tank to Therapy: Using Zebrafish as an Alternative Model for Research in Depression}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Frontiers in Physical and Chemical Sciences: Exploring New Horizons, FPCS 2024, 13-14 November 2024, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={FPCS}, year={2025}, month={8}, keywords={depression zebrafish neurobiology cortisol dopamine serotonin}, doi={10.4108/eai.13-11-2024.2355679} }- Surendra Vada
Snehal Kodachawadkar
Rakshitha KB
Manjunatha PM
Rohini S
Vinutha M
Uday Raj Sharma
Suresh Janadri
Haribabu. T
Nageena Taj
Jyostna SK
Tanuja NK
Year: 2025
From Tank to Therapy: Using Zebrafish as an Alternative Model for Research in Depression
FPCS
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.13-11-2024.2355679
Abstract
Depression, often known as major depressive disorder (MDD), affects 4.4% of the world's population and inflicts severe psychological, societal, and economic costs. Suicidal ideation, anhedonia, changes in food and sleeping patterns, cognitive deficits, and intense grief are some of these symptoms. The zebrafish has become a key tool for researching human brain problems, including depression, owing to its genetic tractability. Depression-like behaviours in zebrafish were modelled using behavioural tests such as the novel tank test, . These tests also aid in evaluating antidepressant efficacy, making zebrafish a valuable tool in depression research. Zebrafish-based pharmacological research has investigated the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and new antidepressant substances. These studies show that zebrafish have behavioural and neurochemical reactions to antidepressants similar to those observed in humans, making them an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of action and efficacy of these medications.
