Regenerative potential and limitations in a zebrafish model of hyperglycemia‐induced nerve degeneration
Abstract
## Background: Previous work from our lab has described a model of motor nerve degeneration in hyperglycemic zebrafish larvae which resembles mammalian models of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Here, we optimized the hyperglycemic‐induction protocol, characterized deficits in nerve structure and behavioral function, and then examined the regenerative potential following recovery from the hyperglycemic state. ## Results: In agreement with our previous work, hyperglycemia induced motor nerve degeneration and behavioral deficits. However, the optimized protocol initiated disruption of tight junctions within the blood‐nerve barrier, a phenotype apparent in mammalian models of DPN. Following a 10‐day recovery period, regeneration of motor nerve components was apparent, but behavioral deficits persisted. We next examined the effect of hyperglycemia on the musculoskeletal system and found subtle deficits in muscle that resolved following recovery, and robust deficits in the skeletal system which persisted following recovery. ## Conclusion: Here we optimized our previous model of hyperglycemia‐induced motor nerve degeneration to more closely align with that observed in mammalian models and then characterized the regenerative potential following recovery from hyperglycemia. Notably, we observed striking impairments to skeletal development, which underscores the global impact hyperglycemia has across systems, and provides a framework for elucidating molecular mechanisms responsible for regenerative events moving forward.
Faculty Members
- Sheridan Sargent - Department of Biological Sciences Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
- Jessica Kennett Clark - Department of Biological Sciences Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
- Anna Brennan - Department of Biological Sciences Salisbury University Salisbury Maryland USA
Themes
- Impact of hyperglycemia on the musculoskeletal system
- Zebrafish as a model organism for studying diabetic conditions
- Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) models
- Hyperglycemia and its effects on nerve degeneration
- Nerve regeneration mechanisms
Categories
- Neurobiology and neurosciences
- Health sciences, general
- Public health
- Genetics and genomics
- Genetics, general
- Neuroscience
- Physiology, oncology and cancer biology
- Biomechanics
- Health sciences, other
- Neurobiology and anatomy
- Human medical genetics
- Public health, general
- Medical clinical science
- Rehabilitation and therapeutic sciences
- Biological and biomedical sciences
- Molecular genetics
- Environmental health
- Health sciences
- Oncology and cancer biology