Zebrafish sensory neuromasts

Sensory neuromast cells of the zebrafish lateral line and ear detect vibrations in the water. The brain of a transgenic 4 day old zebrafish embryo is seen here as viewed from a lateral aspect (side-view). In addition to the neuromasts (green spots around periphery of fish), neurons in the retina, habenula (brain region responsible for experience-based fear responses) and optic tectum (the visual centre of the brain) also express green fluorescent protein (GFP). Neuronal tracts and axons have been labelled using antibodies against tubulin (red), a component of the cytoskeleton which supports cell shape. Tiny cilia (hair-like structures) also labelled with tubulin can be seen supporting the sensory neuromast cells. Width of image is 500 micrometres.