Potential of the Zebrafish (<em>Danio rerio</em) for Biomedical and Toxicological Investigations
Keywords:
Danio rerio, zebrafish, toxicology, biomedicine.Abstract
Introduction: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is considered as one of the emerging experimental models in biomedical and toxicological researches. Qualities such as high fecundity, transparency in embryos and larvae, rapid development from embryonic to adult stage, low cost in infrastructure, inputs and reagents for breeding and reproduction position it as an attractive alternative for these purposes.
Objective: To gather information on the potential of the zebrafish in biomedical and toxicological research and its possible applications at the National Center of Toxicology.
Methods: A review was made on the subject, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, SciELO databases were consulted. A total of 14,238 articles dealing with the topic of study were retrieved, of which 56 were processed that applied this biomodel in precision medicine, pharmacological and toxicological screening of new drugs, understanding of physiological mechanisms of various diseases, study of mechanisms of action of natural products, ecotoxicological evaluations in nanoparticles, embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, among some of the main applications described in the scientific literature. In addition, potentialities of Danio rerio were identified for scientific development in National Toxicology Center and training of medical students and other related specialties.
Conclusions: Zebrafish is an emerging animal model widely used in toxicological and biomedical research with potential applications in Cuba.
