Protocol for lens removal in embryonic fish and its application on the developmental effects of eye regression

The lens plays a central role in the development of optic cup. In fish, regression eye early affects craniofacial skeleton, size olfactory pits, nerve, and tectum. Lens removal further olfaction, prey capture, aggression. similarity fish to other vertebrates is basis for its use as an excellent animal model human defects. Questions regarding effects are specifically well-suited be addressed by using from genus Astyanax . species has two morphs; eyeless cave morph eyed, surface morph. cavefish, initially develops embryos, but then degenerates apoptosis. cavefish retina subsequently disorganized, degenerates, retinal growth arrested. same effect observed when removed or exchanged lens. While studies can greatly benefit control group with regressed eyes brought through lensectomies, few include them because technical difficulties low survivorship embryos that undergo this procedure. Here we describe technique significant modification improvement conducting lensectomy one-day-old including zebrafish. Yields up 30 live were obtained single spawn, thus enabling require large sample sizes.