Geiger, G.A, Parker S.E., Beothy, A.P., Tucker, J.A., Mullins, M.C., and Kao, G.D.
Notes: In this study, the Caspase-Glo® 8 and Caspase-Glo® 9 Assays were used to assess caspase activation in Zebrafish embryos after radiation exposure. After irradiation, caspase activation, morphological abnormalities, and DNA fragmentation were observed, all three of which could be partially reversed by treatment with the radiomodifier amifostine. The Caspase-Glo® 9 Assay was shown to be sensitive enough to detect the effects of radiation on as few as 2 embryos. The authors concluded that the Caspase-Glo® Assays provided an effective and convenient means for rapidly assessing the lethal effects of radiation on Zebrafish embryos, and for assaying the ability of the radiomodifier to counteract these effects. The assay could be performed within hours of radiation exposure directly on the embryos in a 96-well plate format. (3571)