Effects of Exogenous Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules on the Development of Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae

The use of exogenous carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) provides promise for clinical application; however, the hazard potential of CORMs in vivo remains poorly understood. The developmental toxicity of CORM-3 was investigated by exposure to concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 µmol/L during 4-144 h post fertilization. Toxicity endpoints of mortality, spontaneous movement, heart rate, hatching rate, malformation, body length, and larval behavior were measured. CORM-3 disrupted the progression of zebrafish larval development at concentrations exceeding 50 μmol/L, resulting in embryonic developmental toxicity.