Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Effects of Caffeine and Alcohol on Astrocyte Viability and Morphology

Publication Date

Winter 2025

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Science, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Jinhee Park

Presentation Type

Metadata Only

Abstract

Often referred to as “America’s most popular drug,” caffeine is consumed daily by nearly 90% of adults in the United States. Chemically, caffeine acts as a stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors, temporarily increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. While moderate consumption is generally safe, excessive intake can be harmful, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular conditions, digestive issues, or during pregnancy. Elevated caffeine exposure during pregnancy has been linked to developmental abnormalities that may persist throughout life. In this study, we focused on the effects of caffeine on glial development using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. The Tg[gfap:GFP] transgenic line, which expresses green fluorescent protein in astrocytes, glial cells essential for neural development and maintenance, was used to visualize glial morphology. Embryos were bred from this transgenic line and randomly assigned to groups exposed to varying concentrations of caffeine. Glial development was assessed at 3–4 days post-fertilization (dpf) using fluorescence microscopy. In control embryos, astrocyte signals were localized only within the spinal cord, indicating normal glial organization. In contrast, caffeine-treated groups showed altered astrocytic morphology, with increased fluorescence intensity observed outside the spinal cord, particularly in the dorsal region. To determine whether these effects were specific to caffeine, additional alcohol exposure trials were conducted. Results indicated that the astrocyte-specific changes were uniquely associated with caffeine exposure, highlighting the potential risks of excessive caffeine consumption during early neurodevelopment.

Comments

This is a poster presentation.

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