Title:Zebrafish Experimental Animal Models for AD: A Comprehensive
Review
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Author(s): Ruksar Sande, Angel Godad and Gaurav Doshi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy,
V L M Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India
Keywords:
AD, neurodegeneration, neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid β plaques, cognitive impairment agents, transgenic models.
Abstract: AD disease (AD) is a multifaceted and intricate neurodegenerative disorder characterized
by intracellular neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) formation and the excessive production and deposition
of Aβ senile plaques. While transgenic AD models have been found instrumental in unravelling AD
pathogenesis, they involve cost and time constraints during the preclinical phase. Zebrafish, owing
to their simplicity, well-defined behavioural patterns, and relevance to neurodegenerative research,
have emerged as a promising complementary model. Zebrafish possess glutaminergic and cholinergic
pathways implicated in learning and memory, actively contributing to our understanding of neural
transmission processes. This review sheds light on the molecular mechanisms by which various
neurotoxic agents, including okadaic acid (OKA), cigarette smoke extract, metals, and transgenic
zebrafish models with genetic similarities to AD patients, induce cognitive impairments and neuronal
degeneration in mammalian systems. These insights may facilitate the identification of effective
neurotoxic agents for replicating AD pathogenesis in the zebrafish brain. In this comprehensive
review, the pivotal role of zebrafish models in advancing our comprehension of AD is emphasized.
These models hold immense potential for shaping future research directions and clinical interventions,
ultimately contributing to the development of novel AD therapies.