ZEBRAFISH LARVAE MODEL FOR PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO VALPROIC ACID: AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND MACROCEPHALY

Several biological attributes and key technologies make the zebrafish (ZF) model an effective system for understanding the brain and behavior. ZF are translucent, develop ex utero, readily absorb chemicals from the bath, and possess a relatively simple nervous system. Valproic acid (VPA) exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). VPA exposure in zebrafish phenocopies, in a species-specific manner, some of the behavioral symptoms observed in humans exposed to this chemical agent. As such, this study seeks to study VPA’s effects using the zebrafish model. Specifically, this study aims to examine VPA exposure’s anatomical effects (20 µM VPA) by investigating head size.