Localization, Distribution and Structure of Muscle Fibres Using Specific Antibody Markers in the zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822)

Abstract

The zebrafish Danio rerio is a popular model species \xa0for genetic and early development studies. It is relatively easy to maintain in laboratory, has a high fecundity rate and produces transparent embryos. Here, we characterise muscle development in early life stage zebrafish using paraffin sections of embryos and larvae treated with haematoxylin and eosin staining, and whole mount fluorescent immunohistochemistry. We found variations in the distribution of muscle mass throughout the body, with the greatest proportion of muscle mass found in the tail. Our data also showed for the first time the reaction of antibodies (protein expression) in muscle at early life stages of development. Whole mount fluorescent immunohistochemistry staining with three markers (PAX7, MF20 and F59) suggests that muscle development starts even earlier than previously suggested at the embryonic stage (1 dpf).