Meeting Abstract

P2-72  Sunday, Jan. 5  Does Sodium Perchlorate Act as an Obesogen in Developing Zebrafish? AXLID, EG*; MINICOZZI, MR; BUCK, CL; VON HIPPEL, FA; Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff; Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff ega34@nau.edu

Sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄) is a compound used as an oxidizer in a range of military and industrial processes. It is highly water soluble and has contaminated waters across the United States. The compound is also an endocrine disrupter that inhibits thyroid hormone production. Here, we investigate the obesogenic effects of sodium perchlorate on developing zebrafish (D. rerio). Accumulation of lipids in zebrafish tissues as a result of perchlorate exposure could suggest a similar relationship in humans and provide insight into possible causes of the ongoing obesity epidemic. To answer the questions of whether sodium perchlorate contributes to lipid accumulation, and where this accumulation occurs, we reared groups of zebrafish in four perchlorate treatments (10ppb, 10ppm, 30ppm and 100ppm) and a control (0ppm). The fish were euthanized at 133 days post fertilization with tricaine mesylate, embedded in paraffin, sectioned (with ventral, medial, and dorsal sections taken), and stained using Oil Red O. The lipid content in each fish as a whole, as well as in specific tissues, was quantified using Leica software. We predict that perchlorate exposed fish will have an increase in whole body lipid content as lipid accumulation is a common effect of thyroid hormone deficiency. We will also investigate the tissues that are most affected by perchlorate exposure.