Micro-analysis system for Zebrafish studies

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Zebrafish provide a powerful model for studies of physiological function because of the wealth of developmental and genetic information as well as genetics tools (e.g. mutants, gene knockdown approaches, microarrays) that are available for this model organism. In addition, the generation time in zebrafish is short and the species breeds readily in captivity, allowing approaches such as experimental evolution or artificial selection to be used. However, physiological data for zebrafish are sparse because the small size of this species (adult mass <500 mg) precludes the use of most standard physiological approaches (e.g. blood sampling). To address this challenge, we propose to purchase a pH stat titration set-up that will allow us to measure net acid excretion by individual adult zebrafish or by groups of zebrafish embryos in real time. We also propose to purchase an instrument (PWee50) that allows haemoglobin-oxygen binding affinity to be measured on minute blood samples (1 µL of blood is needed). Coupled with the methods that we have already developed to measure ventilation and metabolic rate in zebrafish, these new instruments will enable us to assess acid-base balance, ionic regulation and gas transfer in this model species. The ability to measure physiological function will allow us to harness the power of the zebrafish model for linking physiological function to gene expression on the one hand, and to adaptation (evolution) on the other.