LARGE SCALE IN VIVO ZEBRAFISH SCREEN OF SMALL MOLECULE GLUTAMATE AGONISTS

Excitotoxicity is a degenerative neurological condition involved in many common pathologies but is not well understood. Previous research suggests β-lactam compounds may offer neuroprotective abilities against excitotoxicity. This project aimed to screen, in vivo, a series of novel β-lactam compounds that exhibited in vitro neuroprotective effects. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used as a model organism in which excitotoxicity was induced with glutamate agonists and quantified via swimming behavior. Due to their size, rapid development, and high degree of brain homology relative to humans, zebrafish are an emerging model organism for neurological research. Results from this study demonstrated successful toxicology screening protocols for novel compounds, in addition to the feasibility of accurately quantifying zebrafish larvae movement. Results also suggest that the excitotoxicity model requires refinement for more substantial conclusions.