Functioning of the endocannabinoid system in stress and anxiety in zebrafish larvae

Luchtenburg, F.J. (2020)

Doctoral Thesis

In this thesis, we have studied the potential of the zebrafish larval model in studying the ECS, as a complementary model to the existing rodent models. More specifically, we have looked at the role of the ECS in regulating locomotion and anxiety, and its interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, or stress axis. This study has provided us with an interesting animal model which allows for pharmacological screening of Cnr1 agonists, and their involvement in the CNS, as shown by a change in locomotion, anxiety-like behavior and HPI axis activity. The zebrafish larval model can be used as a complementary model to the existing rodent animal models, to study the ECS. The zebrafish larval model brings several interesting features, such as optical transparency and possibilities for high-throughput screening. Furthermore, a complete ECS is present, there is lack of endogenous activity, allowing for exogenous compound screening, and zebrafish data is generally in line with rodent literature. Since the ECS is involved in many diseases, more research of this system may result in the discovery of novel drugs and drug targets.

• Endocannabinoid system
• Cannabinoid receptor 1
• Zebrafish larvae
• Cortisol
• Behavior
• Stress
• Anxiety

• All authors: Luchtenburg, F.J.
• Supervisor: Richardson, M.K.; Schaaf, M.J.M.
• Committee: Wezel, G.P. van; Meijer, A.H.; Meijer, O.C.; Flik, G.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2020-10-07
• ISBN (print): 9789463326759