Influence of acid-sensing ion channel blocker on behavioral responses in a zebrafish model of acute visceral pain

Behav Brain Res. 2021 Sep 6:113565. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113565. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAcid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) play significant roles in numerous neurological and pathological conditions, including pain. Although acid-induced nociception has been characterized previously in zebrafish, the contribution of ASICs in modulating pain-like behaviors is still unknown. Here, we investigated the contribution of amiloride, a nonselective ASICs blocker, in negatively modulating specific behavioral responses in a zebrafish-based model of acute visceral pain. We verified that intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0mg/mL amiloride alone or vehicle did not change zebrafish behavior compared to saline-treated fish. Administration of 2.5% acetic acid (i.p.) elicited writhing-like response evidenced by the abnormal body curvature and impaired locomotion and motor activity. Attenuation of acetic acid-induced pain was verified at lower amiloride doses (0.25 and 0.5mg/mL) whereas 1.0 and 2.0mg/mL abolished pain-like responses. The protective effect of the highest amiloride dose tested was evident in preventing writhing-like responses and impaired locomotion and vertical activity. Collectively, amiloride antagonized abdominal writhing-like phenotype and aberrant behaviors, supporting the involvement of ASICs in a zebrafish-based model of acute visceral pain.PMID:34499933 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113565

Source: Behavioural Brain Research - September 9, 2021 Category: Neurology Authors: Isaac A Adedara Fabiano V Costa Eduarda Biasuz Julia Canzian Ebenezer O Farombi Denis B Rosemberg Source Type: research