Investigação dos efeitos de antibióticos sobre parâmetros comportamentais e de estresse oxidativo em peixes-zebra

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, and ceftriaxone on behavioral parameters in zebrafish. Methods: 96 adult wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) were divided into groups and exposed for 96 hours to 6.25 mg/L ciprofloxacin, 2 mg/L clarithromycin, 1 mg/L ceftriaxone, or a vehicle (control). Immediately afterward, the animals underwent a novel tank test (NTT). Fish were filmed for 6 minutes, and the following parameters were subsequently quantified: total distance traveled (m), number of crosses between apparatus areas, number of immobility episodes, and time spent and distance traveled in the bottom and top areas. The experimental group size was determined by sample calculation. Data normality and homogeneity of variance were checked using D'Agostino-Pearson and Levene's tests, respectively. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc test, with a threshold level set at p<0.05. Results: Exposure to 6.25 mg/L ciprofloxacin, 2 mg/L clarithromycin, or 1 mg/L ceftriaxone for 96 hours did not induce locomotor damage or behavioral alterations compared to the control group in the NTT. Conclusion: Despite the absence of behavioral effects of these antibiotics in this study, it's important to note that ceftriaxone can induce neuroprotection in animal models; however, high doses in humans may cause neuropsychiatric disorders. Ciprofloxacin has been shown to alter neurotransmitter levels in animal models, while data for clarithromycin are inconsistent. Therefore, further studies are necessary to evaluate effects of antibiotics on behavioral parameters and on oxidative status induced by stress, aiming to identify antibiotic’s risks and benefits on the central nervous system.