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Mucin histochemistry as a tool to assess rostral digestive tract health in a teleost model ( Danio rerio )
Author(s) -
Kotzé Sanet H.,
Huysseune Ann
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of fish diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1365-2761
pISSN - 0140-7775
DOI - 10.1111/jfd.13252
Subject(s) - danio , biology , zebrafish , anatomy , digestive tract , mucin , gastrointestinal tract , fish <actinopterygii> , zoology , histopathology , pathology , fishery , medicine , genetics , gene , biochemistry
The zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), a small agastric teleost fish, has become a popular species to model diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Remarkably, its rostral digestive tract has been largely understudied. To allow for accurate reporting and to improve the translational potential of this research model, the present study first proposes terminology for the different regions of the rostral digestive tract in zebrafish. Based on markers (in particular mucin histochemistry) which are easy to apply in routine histopathology laboratories, five regions are identified, in line with descriptions for carp, a close relative of zebrafish. The mucin histochemical staining is specific and distinct in each region identified, and can be used as a tool to assess health of the rostral digestive tract. In addition, we identify a transitional zone between the oesophagus and intestinal bulb which may represent a remnant of a rudimentary stomach.