Visual assessment

As a rapid assessment of liver toxicity, the morphology of the liver and the occurrence of necrosis are examined under a dissecting microscope.

Carboxylase Staining

The carboxylase enzyme in the liver and intestine is biotinylated, and can be detected by avidin-conjugated reporter enzymes, such as avidin-HRP (Horseradish Peroxidase). This assay highlights the liver and intestine for assessment of drug effects on liver and intestine.

Histology

The morphology and condition of the liver cells and tissues are analyzed by standard Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining of sections.

Liver histopathology. (A), liver of a normal 6 day old zebrafish. (B), liver of a 6 day old zebrafish after treatment with Simvastatin. Note the abnormal fat accumulation (arrows) and the eccentric location of the nuclei (arrowhead) in Simvastatin-treated liver.