Roberta ROMAN, Malina VISTERNICU, Viorica RARINCA
ABSTRACT :
The study of depressive symptoms in zebrafish in an ecotoxicological context has gained increased attention due to the relevance of this research model in assessing the impact of pollutants on aquatic systems. Zebrafish is a model organism widely used in toxicology in order to study the effects of various chemicals on behavior and physiological functions. Behavioral symptoms associated with depressive disorders in fish, such as decreased motor activity and loss of interest in environmental stimuli, may be related to exposure to toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or persistent organic pollutants. In this sense, behavioral ecotoxicology allows the evaluation of chemicals in the environment that can disrupt the neuroendocrine axis, inducing changes similar to the depressive disorders observed in mammals. The aim of this review is to identify depressive symptoms in zebrafish exposed to toxins, which not only provide clues about the neurotoxic effects of pollutants, but also contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in the response to chemical stress and pollution of the aquatic environment. This approach is crucial for the development of strategies to monitor and prevent the ecotoxicological impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health.