Three-dimensional neurophenotyping of adult zebrafish behavior: updates, achievements and future directions
Open MIND January 1, 2015 Jonathan Cachat, Chris Collins, Evan J. Kyzar et al.
Three-dimensional reconstructions of zebrafish swimming paths enable both macro- and micro-level analysis of behavior, offering a more complete picture than traditional 2D traces. Temporal 3D reconstructions plot spatial data across time to reflect activity over testing, while spatial 3D reconstructions use two cameras to depict activity within the actual arena. These reconstructions are highly sensitive to anxiolytic, anxiogenic, and hallucinogenic effects in adult zebrafish. For example, ibogaine reversed natural behaviors, a characterization impossible without 3D reconstructions. Track3D, applied for the first time in adult zebrafish, showed strong significant correlation (R>0.07) of automated endpoints with manual data, providing precise calculation of movement parameters and accurate spatiotemporal integration. These approaches permit advanced movement pattern analysis for screening psychoactive compounds.