Abstract:
Although the role of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) in energy
metabolism is well established, recent studies have shown its involvement in processing
of anxiety. Diazepam is commonly used to treat anxiety in humans. Herein we investigate
the response of the endogenous CART immunoreactive system in the telencephalon
following treatment with this agent. Zebrafish has emerged as a useful alternative to
screen a range of activities including anxiety. We have studied the change in distribution
pattern of CART in the telencephalon of zebrafish following diazepam administration. No
changes were observed in the entopeduncular nucleus (EN), central (Dc), dorsal (Dd) and
medial (Dm) zones of the dorsal telencephalic area. The population of CART
immunoreactive fibres was greater in the lateral zone of the dorsal telencephalic area (Dl)
and preoptic area (POA) but smaller in the dorsal zone of the ventral telencephalic area
(Vd). We suggest that the CART system in these areas may be involved in the regulation of
anxiety‐like behaviour in zebrafish.
