Limitations for prolonged chilled storage of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

摘要

Chilled storage of zebrafish embryos is possible for up to 33?h at 8?°C without a loss in viability. In the present study, higher chilling temperatures in the range of 10–16?°C were tested to extend the storage periods to 65?h. It was also investigated whether prevention of microbiological growth with antibiotics and iodine, and stabilization of the quality of the storage solution by regular changes and constant aeration had an effect on the embryo and larvae viability. At incubation temperatures of 10 and 12?°C, the embryo development was completely arrested; at 14 and 16?°C, it proceeded slowly. At 10?°C, the percentage of embryos developing to the long-pec stage was significantly lower than those at 12, 14 and 16?°C and in the control. At 10 and 12?°C, the percentage of embryos developing to the long-pec stage decreased with increasing chilling period, while it remained constant at 14 and 16?°C. All chilling treatments resulted in low hatching rates <25% and many larvae showed malformations. Supplementation of storage solutions with antibiotics and iodine had no effect on the embryo and larvae viability, similar to regular solution changes and constant aeration.