About this Research Topic
Environmental enrichment (EE) can be defined as any alteration in the animal environment to promote adaptability and good welfare. Many fish species are considered essential experimental models in biomedical research, including in the study of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The translational potential of such species is related to their physiological complexity and similarities with mammal models and humans. EE is being used in the laboratory to offer high-quality housing for fish species and understand how EE affects brain function and behavior. In this sense, EE effects on neuroplasticity and neuroprotection are important research targets. Neuroplasticity is briefly defined as the brain's capacity to change due to experience, such as learning a new ability. Neuroprotection refers to any intervention (e.g., drug therapy, physical exercise) that prevents neuronal cells death caused by pathologies and aging. Recent evidence has demonstrated that EE enhances brain plasticity and presents neuroprotective effects.
Physical enrichment through the addition of plants, shelters, and substrates is one of the most common EE strategies investigated and shows positive effects on fish cognition. There is also a growing interest in occupational and sensory enrichment. Occupational enrichment is generated through predictable or unpredictable alterations of water flow and water current in the tanks. In salmon, swimming exercises through an increased water flow increase neurogenesis. Regarding sensory enrichment, a recent study has shown that playing classical music reduces anxiety and cortisol levels in zebrafish. Other strategies, however, have been studied to a lesser extent, such as social (interactions with conspecifics and other species) and dietary enrichment (feed type and distribution). Despite these advances, little is known about the effects of EE on fish models. In addition, conflicting results have been reported due to the several possibilities of EE, studied species, developmental phases, and duration of EE. Another critical question is whether differences in EE strategy applied between laboratories can generate mixed results and affects research replicability.
Considering these questions, this Research Topic encompasses all types of original research articles and reviews about EE effects on standard fish models, especially effects on behavior, cognition and physiology. This Research Topic aims to cover the following topics, but are not limited to:
- Effects of EE on stress and anxiety
- Effects on neuroplasticity and neuroprotection
- Different EE strategies and methodological approaches
- Different developmental phases (neurodevelopment and behavior)
Physical enrichment through the addition of plants, shelters, and substrates is one of the most common EE strategies investigated and shows positive effects on fish cognition. There is also a growing interest in occupational and sensory enrichment. Occupational enrichment is generated through predictable or unpredictable alterations of water flow and water current in the tanks. In salmon, swimming exercises through an increased water flow increase neurogenesis. Regarding sensory enrichment, a recent study has shown that playing classical music reduces anxiety and cortisol levels in zebrafish. Other strategies, however, have been studied to a lesser extent, such as social (interactions with conspecifics and other species) and dietary enrichment (feed type and distribution). Despite these advances, little is known about the effects of EE on fish models. In addition, conflicting results have been reported due to the several possibilities of EE, studied species, developmental phases, and duration of EE. Another critical question is whether differences in EE strategy applied between laboratories can generate mixed results and affects research replicability.
Considering these questions, this Research Topic encompasses all types of original research articles and reviews about EE effects on standard fish models, especially effects on behavior, cognition and physiology. This Research Topic aims to cover the following topics, but are not limited to:
- Effects of EE on stress and anxiety
- Effects on neuroplasticity and neuroprotection
- Different EE strategies and methodological approaches
- Different developmental phases (neurodevelopment and behavior)
Keywords: Habitat Complexity, Behavioral Plasticity, Fish Husbandry, Cognition, Neurobiology
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