Transient developmental exposure to tributyltin reduces optomotor responses in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio)

This study determined the effects of transient developmental exposure to tributyltin (TBT), a well-known anti estrogenic environmental endocrine disrupting compound, on visual system development of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to either 0.2 mu g/L or 20 mu g/L TBT for 24 h when they were aged 24 h postfertilization (hpf), 72 hpf, or 7 days (d)pf. Immediately after exposure, larvae were transferred to system water for seven days of recovery followed by behavioral testing (startle and optomotor responses) and morphological assessment. TBT-treated larvae displayed age-dependent changes in morphology characterized by delayed/reduced growth and susceptibility to exposure. TBT exposure reduced the number of larvae displaying optomotor responses regardless of age of exposure; eye diameter was also decreased when exposure occurred at 24 hpf or 7 dpf. Startle responses were reduced only in TBT-treated larvae exposed when they were 24 hpf, suggesting transient TBT exposure during the early larval period may cause vision-specific effects.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of transient exposure to TBT on the visual system development of larval zebrafish. The results showed that TBT exposure caused age-dependent changes in morphology and impaired visual function at different stages of development.