Optokinetic Response Assay: A Method to Measure Visual Acuity in Zebrafish

Abstract

Source: Cameron, D. J., et al. The Optokinetic Response as a Quantitative Measure of Visual Acuity in Zebrafish. J. Vis. Exp. (2013)

This video describes the optokinetic response assay in zebrafish. The video measures the reflexive eye movements based on the visual moving stimulus and determines the visual acuity in zebrafish.

Protocol

1.Optokinetic response (OKR)

1. Build the custom OKR recording device using a 14.5 cm diameter rotating drum, a stereo microscope with adjustable light intensity settings (300-8,000 lux) and a computer (Figure 1A).
   1. Attach a camera to the microscope that will provide a live feed onto an adjacent monitor and allow for image capture and recording.
   2. Control the rotating drum using a microcontroller linked to a computer which will accommodate various speed and direction selections.
2. Anesthetize the fish in 0.016% tricaine for 2-3 min and then place the fish on a small platform with the eyes and gills su....

Results

Figure 1. OKR recording. A) The OKR device consists of a 14.5 cm diameter rotating drum and microscope with adjustable light intensity settings (300-8,000 lux). A camera provides a live feed on an adjacent monitor. The rotating drum has various speed setting.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Super Low Light Black White Video Security Camera	Super Circuits	 PC164CEX-2 	Any low light camera may be used
Arduino Duemilanove microcontroller	Adafruit Industries		The Arduino Uno is also compatible with the speed control software.
Tricaine Methanesulfonate	VWR	101107-950