In contrast to mammals, adult zebrafish can regenerate their spinal cord. However, for observation purposes, a larval regeneration paradigm would be advantageous. We here describe the establishment of a lesion paradigm in larval zebrafish. Complete mechanical transection of the spinal cord at 3 days post-fertilisation leads to paralysis of the fish. Within 48 hours after injury, the lesion site closes and larvae show recovery of swimming activity. This is accompanied by a reaction of the immune system, involving influx of neutrophils, macrophages and microglia from 6 hours after lesion. In two different mutant lines of the innate immune system, locomotor recovery is significantly impaired, indicating an essential role of the immune response for functional recovery. We are currently analysing, which of the crucial events in spinal cord repair, such as wound closure, fusion of the spinal cord, axon regrowth and neurogenesis are affected in the mutants to determine the role of the innate immune system in successful repair.
Physiology 2015 (Cardiff, UK) (2015) Proc Physiol Soc 34, SA071
Research Symposium: Successful regeneration of the larval zebrafish spinal cord
T. M. Tsarouchas1, J. Ohnmacht1, G. W. Maurer1, T. Becker1, D. Sieger1, C. Becker1
1. Centre for Neuroregeneration, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.