The effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the lateral line organ of Aplocheilus lineatus (Cyprinodontidae)

Area of Science:

• Aquatic biology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The lateral line system in fish is crucial for detecting water movement and vibrations.
• Antibiotics can potentially affect sensory systems in aquatic organisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the behavioral effects of neomycin and streptomycin on the fish lateral line system.
• To determine the dose-dependent toxicity and recovery of lateral line function after antibiotic exposure.

Main Methods:

• Behavioral assays were used to test fish's ability to localize wave sources.
• Increasing doses of neomycin and streptomycin were administered.
• Recovery of lateral line sensitivity was monitored after drug withdrawal.

Main Results:

• Increasing doses of neomycin and streptomycin led to a progressive loss of lateral line-mediated reactions.
• Complete loss of lateral line function (inexcitability) was observed at higher doses.
• The toxicity profiles of neomycin and streptomycin were found to be very similar.
• Lateral line sensitivity recovered within 1 to 3 days after the cessation of antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

• Neomycin and streptomycin significantly disrupt the function of the fish lateral line system.
• The lateral line system exhibits a notable capacity for recovery after exposure to these antibiotics.
• These findings highlight the potential ototoxicity of common antibiotics in fish models.