The Impact of Oxytocin on Stimulus Discrimination of Zebrafish Albino and Non-Albino Models

Zebrafish have the ability, to a certain extent, to distinguish between different types of stimuli, including distinguishing between videos of conspecifics and non-conspecifics, a skill known as stimulus discrimination. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxytocin on this ability in albino and non-albino zebrafish models, focusing on the correlations between albinism, sensory deficiencies, and socio-emotional behaviors. Our hypothesis is based on the premise that oxytocin influences socio-emotional behaviors in zebrafish, with varying effects depending on phenotype (albino vs. non-albino), social context, and treatment duration. Studies have shown that albino zebrafish have more pronounced sensory deficiencies, meaning they may benefit more from oxytocin in terms of increased social comfort and interactions with conspecifics, while non-albino zebrafish would experience a reduction in defensive behaviors and anxiety. To test this, two experiments were conducted: one assessing the responses to video predator stimuli and the other comparing social interactions with real and video conspecifics. The results showed significant differences between the two groups: non-albino zebrafish exhibited stronger long-term reductions in anxiety-related behaviors, such as reaction speed and freezing, suggesting that oxytocin regulates defensive responses and aggression. Meanwhile, albino zebrafish showed greater improvements in social interactions, reflecting the nuanced, phenotype-dependent effects of oxytocin. These results not only confirm existing research but also highlight the therapeutic potential of oxytocin in treating socio-emotional deficiencies.