Neural pathways linking hypoxia with pectoral fin movements in Danio rerio

Abstract Zebrafish larvae respond to hypoxia by increasing a number of ventilatory behaviors. During development, these animals switch from skin-resident to gill-resident neuroendocrine cells around 7 days post fertilization (d.p.f.) to detect hypoxia and drive adaptive behaviors. Here, we probe the neural pathways that receive inputs from skin-resident neuroendocrine cells and alter pectoral fin movements. We first show that a 5 d.p.f. larva increases its pectoral fin movements and heart activity upon hypoxia exposure. Next, we map the downstream neural circuitry and show that individual vagal sensory neurons receive inputs from multiple oxygen-sensing neuroendocrine cells. We then use calcium imaging to show that neurons in the second, but not third, vagal sensory ganglia show increases in the magnitude of their hypoxia-evoked responses. Finally, we link purinergic signaling between neuroendocrine cells and second vagal sensory neurons to increases in pectoral fin movements. Collectively, we suggest that vagal sensory neurons transform hypoxic stimuli into respiratory behaviors.