Abstract
In order to track behavior and gut transit times, we developed a high-throughput whole gut transit protocol for feeding and drug screening studies in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Implementation of this high-throughput protocol conferred us the ability to screen a gastrointestinal (GI) promotility stimulator drug, Metoclopramide, for its digestive and behavioral effects. We found that Metoclopramide reduces gut transit time significantly in wild-type (WT) zebrafish when compared to a control. A visual motor response (VMR) behavioral assay reported no significant differences in behavior when comparing the drug group with a control group. We were also able to test the effects of food medium on WT zebrafish. We characterized the effects of a high-fat medium and high-protein medium on fluorescent bead intake and subsequent transit time. High-protein fed fish ate significantly more fluorescent beads but showed no significant change in whole gut transit time when compared to the high-fat fed group or to an unfed control group. Further research that utilizes such high-throughput drug screening can help elucidate digestive and behavioral effects of ASD therapeutics amongst varying drug classes.