Adverse effects in the fish embryo acute toxicity (FET) test: a catalogue of unspecific morphological changes versus more specific effects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

R. von Hellfeld, K. Brotzmann, L. Baumann, R. Strecker, T. Braunbeck

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

© 2020, The Author(s).Background: The Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity (FET) test with the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, the OECD test guideline (TG) 236, has been designed as an alternative for acute fish toxicity testing such as the OECD Acute Fish Toxicity Test (TG 203). To provide equivalent sensitivity to the acute fish test, the original FET test was designed to use only four morphological core endpoints: coagulation of the embryo, lack of somite formation, lack of heart beat, and non-detachment of the tail. These endpoints were selected due to (1) their association with mortality, directly or indirectly, (2) improve the practicality for screening by well-trained technical staff, and (3) the endpoints being relatively simple morphological alterations. Results: With the growing need to understand the developmental toxicity of compounds found in the environment, the FET protocol has repeatedly been extended to a multitude of additional morphological endpoints that also allow the monitoring of teratogenicity. As the extensive use of the FET test has generated a multitude of observations in the scientific literature, a harmonisation of the terminology used for the description of the morphological effects seen after chemical exposure has become necessary. Conclusion: For this end, the present communication provides an overview of both common and selected more specific morphological effects seen in zebrafish embryos after exposure to a wide variety of chemical substances together with suggestions for a harmonised nomenclature.
Original languageEnglish
Article number122
JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2020
Externally publishedYes

Funding

Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grand agreement No 681102. Acknowledgements

FundersFunder number
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme681002, 681102

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