screening / dose selection for ototoxicity or otoprotection

Zebrafish provide a valuable model for assessing ototoxicity, evaluating otoprotection, and conducting large-scale compound screenings. Zebrafish produce an ideal model due to their similarities with humans (over 85% of genetic homology), rapid development, and optical transparency.

Zebrafish present mechanosensory organs called neuromasts, which detect vibrations in the surrounding environment at frequencies from 50 to 200 Hz. Hair cells in zebrafish neuromasts are similar in structure and function to the inner ear hair cells in mammals. They can easily be visualized in vivo in the optically clear embryo by staining with DASPEI.