Summary
The Zebrafish is an excellent model for studying the mechanisms and pathophysiology of various neurological disorders, understanding the toxicity caused by a contaminant, and drug discovery. The objective of this study was to examine the neuroprotective role of Scoparia dulcis in the cellular and enzymatic activities of zebrafish against the neurotoxicity induced by acrylamide. During the experimental period of 72 hours, the memory of the zebrafish declined, affecting its ability to finish the memory testing T-maze along with erratic swimming. Treatment of the fish with the plant extract counteracted the toxic effects of acrylamide by retaining the memory and controlled swimming (locomotion).
Effect of Scoparia dulcis plant extract in Acrylamide-induced Zebrafish
This study has been executed to explore the neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis (EESD) against acrylamide using adult zebrafish. The experimental period was 72 hours. After fixing the optimum acrylamide concentration and EESD, the healthy adult fish were grouped into control, induction, and treatment. During the experimental period, behavioural changes such as memory and locomotion were observed in experimental groups using the T-maze experiment. After 72 hours, the neuronal tissues were isolated from the grouped fishes and analysed for various biochemical and enzymatic assays. The mRNA of the HSP-70 gene in control and experimental groups was expressed using RT-PCR. Improved memory was observed in S. dulcis-treated fish, compared to the acrylamide-treated group using the T-maze assay. The extract reduced the toxicity induced by acrylamide from the various biochemical and histopathological parameters. The result shows the potential neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of Scoparia dulcis (EESD) against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in adult zebrafish. Therefore, Scoparia dulcis is a potent neuroprotective agent.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-023-04733-1
