Advisor Information
Ryan Y. Wong
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 2:15 PM
End Date
3-3-2017 3:30 PM
Abstract
Two alternative “stress coping styles” are documented across a wide range of taxa: proactive and reactive. While behavior differences can be observed between coping styles, brain regions potentially mediating these differences have not been studied extensively. Understanding differences in how the brain processes information between the coping styles can lead to insights on how these responses might be controlled. To assess the neural mechanisms underlying alternative stress coping styles, I utilized Danio rerio (zebrafish) and the Novel Tank Diving Test (NTDT). I hypothesize (i) that proactive fish will spend less time in the lower portion of the NTDT and spend more time moving around and (ii) in the basolateral amygdala, hippocampus, habenula, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus neural activity will differ between coping styles and cortisol levels will differ between coping styles. My results show that proactive fish spend more time in the upper portion of the NTDT and more time moving around than reactive fish which should show differences in the brain networks. Proactive fish did not spend significantly more time in the lower portion of the NTDT in the first six minutes compared to the final six minutes, while reactive fish spent significantly more time in the lower portion during the first six minutes compared to the final six minutes. Finally, males did not spend more time in the lower portion of NTDT than females. Finally, I will need to finish optimizing the in situ hybridization process and run the hormone assays to measure levels of whole-body cortisol.
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Differences in behavioral responses to stress in zebrafish: exploring underlying neural mechanisms
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Two alternative “stress coping styles” are documented across a wide range of taxa: proactive and reactive. While behavior differences can be observed between coping styles, brain regions potentially mediating these differences have not been studied extensively. Understanding differences in how the brain processes information between the coping styles can lead to insights on how these responses might be controlled. To assess the neural mechanisms underlying alternative stress coping styles, I utilized Danio rerio (zebrafish) and the Novel Tank Diving Test (NTDT). I hypothesize (i) that proactive fish will spend less time in the lower portion of the NTDT and spend more time moving around and (ii) in the basolateral amygdala, hippocampus, habenula, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus neural activity will differ between coping styles and cortisol levels will differ between coping styles. My results show that proactive fish spend more time in the upper portion of the NTDT and more time moving around than reactive fish which should show differences in the brain networks. Proactive fish did not spend significantly more time in the lower portion of the NTDT in the first six minutes compared to the final six minutes, while reactive fish spent significantly more time in the lower portion during the first six minutes compared to the final six minutes. Finally, males did not spend more time in the lower portion of NTDT than females. Finally, I will need to finish optimizing the in situ hybridization process and run the hormone assays to measure levels of whole-body cortisol.