423
hair cells (Figs. 3 and 4 , and see Coffi n et al. 2014b ). To date, thousands of compounds with established and potential ototoxic activity have been successfully
explored in zebrafi sh (e.g., Ou et al. 2009 ; Hirose et al. 2011 ).
Here we review ototoxicity studies in fi shes, examining both neuroethology
research aimed at understanding fi sh sensory function and behavior, as well as biomedical studies that may infl uence clinical use of agents with demonstrated
ototoxicity.
2 Evolutionary Perspectives
Do fi shes have a homogenous population of hair cells? A combination of ultrastructural and ototoxicity studies suggest that fi sh hair cells are indeed heterogeneous,
falling into characteristic sub-types similar to those found in mammals (Chang et al.
1992 ; Lanford et al. 2000 ; Popper 2000 ). Mammalian utricles have distinct striolar
Fig. 3 Five-day-old zebrafi sh larvae labeled with the vital dye DASPEI. When viewed with fl uorescence microscopy, neuromasts are clearly visible as bright dots on the head and body of the
animal
Fig. 4 Images of single neuromasts labeled with ( a ) the vital dye Yo-Pro-1, which labels hair cell
nuclei, and ( b ) green fl uorescent protein ( GFP ). This image is from a Brn3c:mGFP transgenic fi sh,
which expresses GFP in hair cell membranes. Scale bars = 5 μm
Chemical Ototoxicity of the Fish Inner Ear and Lateral Line
hair cells (Figs. 3 and 4 , and see Coffi n et al. 2014b ). To date, thousands of compounds with established and potential ototoxic activity have been successfully
explored in zebrafi sh (e.g., Ou et al. 2009 ; Hirose et al. 2011 ).
Here we review ototoxicity studies in fi shes, examining both neuroethology
research aimed at understanding fi sh sensory function and behavior, as well as biomedical studies that may infl uence clinical use of agents with demonstrated
ototoxicity.
2 Evolutionary Perspectives
Do fi shes have a homogenous population of hair cells? A combination of ultrastructural and ototoxicity studies suggest that fi sh hair cells are indeed heterogeneous,
falling into characteristic sub-types similar to those found in mammals (Chang et al.
1992 ; Lanford et al. 2000 ; Popper 2000 ). Mammalian utricles have distinct striolar
Fig. 3 Five-day-old zebrafi sh larvae labeled with the vital dye DASPEI. When viewed with fl uorescence microscopy, neuromasts are clearly visible as bright dots on the head and body of the
animal
Fig. 4 Images of single neuromasts labeled with ( a ) the vital dye Yo-Pro-1, which labels hair cell
nuclei, and ( b ) green fl uorescent protein ( GFP ). This image is from a Brn3c:mGFP transgenic fi sh,
which expresses GFP in hair cell membranes. Scale bars = 5 μm
Chemical Ototoxicity of the Fish Inner Ear and Lateral Line