Acutetox Assay

The zebrafish model is gaining relevance in pre-clinical trials due to its small size, transparency, ease to manipulate and rapid development. This model has a high genetic homology with humans (over 85%) as well as important parallels in organogenesis and functional mechanisms.

Following the OECD 236 Guideline (Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test), a convenient, rapid and inexpensive acute toxicity test has been set up.

Wild Type embryos at 2-4 hours post-fertilization stage (hpf) are incubated with 5 concentrations of the test chemical spaced by a constant factor not exceeding 3. Retinoic acid is used as the positive control.

During 96 hours of treatment, embryos are monitored and toxicity induction is measured as presence of any of the 4 main parameters described by the FET Guideline. Subsequently, significant effects images and a concentration-effect curve are given.