Effects of Exposure to CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots on the Neurophysiological Performance of Developing Zebrafish

Abstract

This research investigated the effects of exposure to sublethal concentrations of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots on the neurophysiological performance of larval zebrafish. Whole body metal content, physiological conditions, and neurobehavioural responses were examined. The results suggested that exposure to QDs for 5 days increased whole body content of cadmium (Cd). QDs exposure did not affect survival rate, gross morphology, hatching rate, and body length of larvae. However, larvae exposed to QDs exhibited a significant reduction in locomotor activities. Larval anxiety-like behaviours were examined via thigmotaxis and light/dark preference behaviours and the results suggested inhibition of thigmotactic behaviours only in larvae exposed to low concentrations and attenuation of normal dark-avoidance behaviours in the exposed larvae.