Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Health Science

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Nirosha Murugan

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and caudal fin amputation initiate robust regenerative responses in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio), yet whether regenerative activity in one tissue influences repair at a distant site remains unclear. This study investigated the bidirectional effects of concurrent brain and peripheral injury on regeneration and functional recovery. Specifically, we assessed the effects of TBI on caudal fin regeneration, caudal fin amputation on neural stem cell-associated cellular responses, and combined injury on behaviour. Adult zebrafish received no injury, TBI, caudal fin amputation, abdominal puncture, or combined TBI and caudal fin amputation. I assessed caudal fin regeneration morphometrically and evaluated radial glial activity, microglial presence, and cellular proliferation using GFAP, 4C4, and EdU, respectively. I assessed behavioural and locomotor outcomes using the Novel Tank Test and positional estimations of the fish body. TBI did not significantly affect caudal fin regrowth, while caudal fin amputation produced minimal changes in brain cellular responses following TBI. In contrast, combined injury altered habituation and exploratory behaviour despite largely preserved locomotor performance. These findings suggest that regenerative responses remain predominantly tissue-specific, whereas functional recovery may be more sensitive to interactions between concurrent injuries.

Convocation Year

2027

Convocation Season

Spring

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