The smell of "anxiety": Behavioral modulation by experimental anosmia in zebrafish

Murilo S. Abreu, Ana C.V.V. Giacomini, Allan V. Kalueff, Leonardo J.G. Barcellos*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Olfaction is strongly involved in the regulation of fish behavior, including reproductive, defensive, social and migration behaviors. In fish, anosmia (the lack of olfaction) can be induced experimentally, impairing their ability to respond to various olfactory stimuli. Here, we examine the effects of experimental lidocaine-induced anosmia on anxiety-like behavior and whole-body cortisol levels in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). We show that experimentally-induced anosmia reduces anxiolytic-like behavioral effects of fluoxetine and seems to interact with anxiogenic effect of stress also paralleling cortisol responses in zebrafish. These findings provide first experimental evidence that temporary anosmia modulates anxiety-like behaviors and physiology in adult zebrafish.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-71
Number of pages5
JournalPhysiology and Behavior
Volume157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fluoxetine
  • Food odor
  • Novel tank
  • Olfactory sense
  • Stress

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