Effects of lead on neurogenesis during zebrafish embryonic brain development

► Pb-induced neurotoxicity to embryonic zebrafish was investigated. ► Zebrafish showed obvious neurotoxic symptoms. ► gfap and huC gene expression decreased significantly in the Pb-treated brains. ► Pb-induced neurotoxicity was found to be caused by impaired neurogenesis. ► Pb-treatment markedly increased apoptosis of neuron and glia cells in zebrafish.