Role of Spirulina in Structural Remodeling of Synapse in Telencephalon of Chronic Unpredictable Stress Model of Zebrafish

BACKGROUND: Stress can affect the morphology and synaptic organization of the telencephalon. These structural changes at the cellular level can lead to the development of various psychopathologies. PURPOSE: Given that the telencephalon plays a major role in stress responses, the current study aimed to investigate the role of Spirulina platensis as a neuroprotectant supplement in the early life of zebrafish in averting the alteration of synapse morphology in the telencephalon caused by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in the later stage. METHODS: 5dpf larvae were divided into two groups: one group was fed with a commercial fish diet and a second group with a 1% Spirulina-supplemented diet for 90 days. After 90 days, the adult zebrafish were exposed to CUS with different chronic stressors for 15 days. The synaptic plasticity was evaluated by morphometric analysis of synapse in telencephalon of zebrafish by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The ultrastructural study demonstrated the protective role of Spirulina in the CUS model as no significant alterations in the length of the active zone, postsynaptic density, and synaptic cleft were observed as compared to the control group in the CUS model. CONCLUSION: Thus, suggesting that the Spirulina supplementation can avert the remodeling effect of stress on synapse ultrastructure.