Abstract
Perchlorate (ClO4-) is a ubiquitous endocrine disrupting compound that competitively inhibits iodide at the sodium-iodide symporter by blocking iodide uptake into the thyroid follicle. Limited thyroid hormone production early in development can result in altered morphologies and behavior. Two predominant models in perchlorate research have been in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and in threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Previous perchlorate trials in zebrafish and stickleback showed decreased swimming performance, alterations to behavior, and perchlorate-induced histopathologies at all life stages and specifically in stickleback, a decrease in breeding performance. This study aimed to determine efficacy of exogenous iodide rescues in ameliorating symptoms associated with altered behavior, swimming performance, and physiology due to perchlorate exposure. For behavior trials, chronically exposed zebrafish from fertilization with perchlorate at environmentally relevant concentrations (10ppm, 100ppm) or control water, with or without sodium iodide (70ppb). Fish were filmed with the yolk sac present (5dpf) and with yolk sac absent and actively foraging (10dpf) for analysis with Noldus EthoVision to determine activity and behavior during early development. At 90dpf, adult fish were filmed and analyzed with Noldus EthoVision again prior to swimming performance trials. Post-filmed 90dpf fish completed critical swimming performance trials to determine critical swimming velocity (Ucrit ). Fish were euthanized and fixed in formalin for histology. Adults were then analyzed for any histological abnormalities. The data from this research will provide further understanding of the mechanism of action on behavior that perchlorate has on fishes and if these effects are thyroidally mediated.
Advisor
Michael Minicozzi
Committee Member
Rachel Cohen
Committee Member
Susan Colvin
Date of Degree
2025
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Program of Study
Biology
Department
Biological Sciences
College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Recommended Citation
Bourgeois, E. (2025). Effect of exogenous iodide treatments after sodium perchlorate exposure on behavior and brain development in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1575/
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