thumbnail

Use of automated monitoring to assess behavioral toxicology in fish: Linking behavior and physiology

By: , and 

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

We measured locomotory behaviors (distance traveled, speed, tortuosity of path, and rate of change in direction) with computer-assisted analysis in 30 day posthatch rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to pesticides. We also examined cholinesterase inhibition as a potential endpoint linking physiology and behavior. Sublethal exposure to chemicals often causes changes in swimming behavior, reflecting alterations in sensory and motor systems. Swimming behavior also integrates functions of the nervous system. Rarely are the connections between physiology and behavior made. Although behavior is often suggested as a sensitive, early indicator of toxicity, behavioral toxicology has not been used to its full potential because conventional methods of behavioral assessment have relied on manual techniques, which are often time-consuming and difficult to quantify. This has severely limited the application and utility of behavioral procedures. Swimming behavior is particularly amenable to computerized assessment and automated monitoring. Locomotory responses are sensitive to toxicants and can be easily measured. We briefly discuss the use of behavior in toxicology and automated techniques used in behavioral toxicology. We also describe the system we used to determine locomotory behaviors of fish, and present data demonstrating the system's effectiveness in measuring alterations in response to chemical challenges. Lastly, we correlate behavioral and physiological endpoints.
Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Use of automated monitoring to assess behavioral toxicology in fish: Linking behavior and physiology
Issue 1364
Year Published 1999
Language English
Publisher ASTM
Publisher location Conshohocken, PA, United States
Larger Work Title ASTM Special Technical Publication
First page 370
Last page 384
Conference Title Proceedings of the 1998 8th Symposium on Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: Standardization of Biomarkers for Endocrine Disruption and Environmental Assessment
Conference Location Atlanta, GA, USA
Conference Date 20 April 1998 through 22 April 1998
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details