ZEBRAFISH MALFORMATIONS AND NEUROBEHAVIORAL EFFECTS INDUCED BY HEAVY METALS EXPOSURE AT DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES A MINI-REVIEW

Heavy metal exposure poses significant risks to aquatic organisms, including zebrafish, leading to various malformations and neurobehavioral effects across different developmental stages. This mini-review explores the impact of heavy metals, such as arsenic (As), cadmiu (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and others on zebrafish, focusing on the toxicological effects during embryonic, larval, and adult stages. Exposure to heavy metals during various developmental stages of zebrafish leads to significant malformations and neurobehavioral effects. The review discusses how these metals induce neurobehavioral effects by disrupting key biochemical processes, altering neurotransmitter systems, and increasing oxidative stress, ultimately leading to impairments in different behavior patterns.