The Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model for Studying Voluntary Physical Exercise and its Effects on Behavior and Metabolism

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a viable and low-cost model of voluntary physical exercise that could be applied to studies on metabolism and behavior. 40 male zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied, divided into two groups: control and voluntary physical exercise. The model consisted of two aquariums connected by a translucent tube and a video camera on the side to measure physical exercise parameters of the animals. The animals showed higher acceleration and maximum speed and had a higher frequency of activity in the light period. In this model of voluntary physical exercise, we observed better performance in locomotor assessment tests, which was not accompanied by increased anxiety or changes in biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism. Zebrafish responded positively to voluntary physical exercise and this model appears to be a good option for further studies.

Keywords:
fish; novel tank test; locomotor activity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The proposed voluntary physical exercise model does not cause stress in zebrafish.

• The zebrafish in the light period voluntarily chooses to frequent areas with faster water.

• The animals in the VPE group showed a higher maximum acceleration and speed during the locomotion test.