Citation:

Hamm, J., P. Ceger, E. Maull, S. Padilla, E. Perkins, A. Planchart, D. Stedman, T. Tal, R. Tanguay, D. Voltz, G. Baker, M. Stout, AND N. Walker. SEAZIT: The National Toxicology Program’s Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology. Society of Toxicology, Baltimore, Maryland, March 12 - 16, 2017.

Impact/Purpose:

Because Zebrafish are being considered for us in Hazard ID and risk assessment, it is imperative to create a method for standardization of the testing methods. The SEAZIT programs is a consortium of scientists who are attempting to do this.

Description:

Zebrafish are being considered for use in hazard identification and risk assessment as part of the Tox21 and ToxCast programs. A Collaborative Workshop on Aquatic Models and 21st Century Toxicology identified the lack of standardized husbandry and testing protocols as a primary challenge to broader use. Addressing this is the central focus of a National Toxicology Program initiative: the Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT) program. The initial phase of SEAZIT focused on cataloging common current practices used in zebrafish assay protocols. To create this catalog, zebrafish researchers in academic, federal and industry labs were asked about lab-specific practices. In addition, the literature was surveyed to incorporate recent efforts to standardize zebrafish toxicity screening. Information was collected about a variety of protocol components including: zebrafish strains, types of feed, preparation of system water, disease surveillance practices, embryo exposure conditions, and endpoints assessed. Interviews revealed a high degree of variability across design parameters, data collected, and analysis procedures. The presence of the chorion and whether or not exposure media is renewed every 24 hours (static versus static-renewal) were identified as key parameters that potentially influence study outcomes. Accordingly, an inter-laboratory study was designed to determine the influence of the chorion and exposure media renewal on study outcomes. Reference chemicals selected for the inter-laboratory study represent a range of physicochemical properties, potency, and modes of action. Ultimately, this comprehensive effort will improve guidance for the use of zebrafish in toxicity evaluation. This project was funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the intramural research program of NIEHS/NIH and under Contract No. HHSN273201500010C. This abstract may not necessarily reflect official U.S. EPA Agency policy.

Record Details: