Publications by authors named "Ashley Denmark"
Several behavioral assays are currently used for high-throughput neurophenotyping and screening of genetic mutations and psychotropic drugs in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this protocol, we describe a battery of two assays to characterize anxiety-related behavioral and endocrine phenotypes in adult zebrafish. Here, we detail how to use the 'novel tank' test to assess behavioral indices of anxiety (including reduced exploration, increased freezing behavior and erratic movement), which are quantifiable using manual registration and computer-aided video-tracking analyses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStress induced by social defeat is a strong modifier of animal anxiety and depression-like phenotypes. Self-grooming is a common rodent behavior, and has an ordered cephalo-caudal progression from licking of the paws to head, body, genitals and tail. Acute stress is known to alter grooming activity levels and disrupt its patterning.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study examines how zebrafish (Danio rerio) respond to new environments, specifically looking at their ability to habituate, or get used to new stimuli.
- Findings show that adult zebrafish demonstrate strong habituation responses and that certain anxiogenic drugs can negatively impact this ability.
- The research suggests that zebrafish could be a valuable model for understanding cognitive behavior and anxiety, similar to studies conducted on rodents.