Effectiveness of sodium nucleospermate for the development of embryos and larvae of Danio rerio

BACKGROUND: The development of eggs and larvae of Danio rerio ex utero and the optical transparency of their embryos allow visual analysis of embryos at different stages of development and evaluation of organogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium nucleospermate to the survival of embryos and larvae of Danio rerio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used Danio rerio fish of natural color. To assess the effectiveness of sodium nucleospermate on embryo survival, 64 eggs were collected and placed in separate wells. Three concentrations of sodium nucleospermate were tested in the experiment: 50 g (dose 1), 1.3 g (dose 2), and 0.0325 g (dose 3) per well (200 L). The experiment was conducted for 8 days, and blood circulation, exit of the larva from the egg, movements of the embryo inside the egg, and movements of the emerging larva were evaluated. RESULTS: On day 1 in the control group, blood circulation was recorded in all embryos, and movement was determined in 21.4%. With dose 1, the blood circulation in embryos was recorded at 37.5%, and movement was noted in 6.25%. With dose 2, blood circulation was detected in all embryos, while movement was noted in 46.6%. With dose 3, blood circulation was detected in all embryos, and movement was noted 18.75%. On day 8, only active movements of the larvae along the experimental hole were evaluated because all other parameters were recorded in 100% of the surviving embryos. The experiment on day 8 showed that in the control group, 37.5% of the initially taken living embryos actively move and develop satisfactorily with the addition of sodium nucleospermate at doses 50%, 81.25%, and 75%. CONCLUSION: The highest survival rate of Danio rerio larvae was recorded after the addition of sodium nucleospermate to the medium at an average dose of 1.3 g/200 L (6.5 g/mL, or 0.0065% solution).