1932

Abstract

Since its introduction as a genetic vertebrate model system approximately 30 years ago, the focus of zebrafish research has increasingly shifted to questions that are also relevant for human development and disease. Here, we review the potential of the zebrafish as a model for human endocrine systems. A recent review compared the functions of the different endocrine systems and glands in zebrafish with those in other vertebrates, including humans, coming to the conclusion that major aspects are conserved. Here, we present an updated overview of this rapidly growing field of zebrafish research, focusing on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, which links the central nervous system with the endocrine systems, and on major processes that are under (neuro)endocrine control and are the subject of intensive current research in other endocrine model organisms, such as feeding circuits and energy homeostasis, sleep, stress, reproduction, osmoregulation, and calcium homeostasis. Finally, we summarize the strengths and weaknesses of zebrafish as a model for studying endocrine systems.

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-physiol-012110-142320
2011-03-17
2024-03-28
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-physiol-012110-142320
Loading
/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-physiol-012110-142320
Loading

Data & Media loading...

Supplemental Material

Supplementary Data

  • Article Type: Review Article
This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error