Zebrafish Optokinetic Reflex: Minimal Reporting Guidelines and Recommendations

Simple Summary Zebrafish form an ideal model for studying a wide range of ophthalmological and neurological conditions. The optokinetic reflex (OKR) assays in zebrafish models are proven to be a valuable tool for investigating these conditions. Despite its increasing popularity in recent years, the field lacks clear reporting guidelines for the assay. To better understand optimal reporting standards for an OKR assay in zebrafish, we performed a systematic literature review of 109 research papers exploring the animal, environmental, and technical factors that should be considered. In this article, we highlight multiple crucial factors, such as larval characteristics, sample size, fixing method, assay set-up, detailed stimulus parameters, eye recording, and eye movement analysis, necessary for preforming the assay. We have created the zebrafish optokinetic (ZOK) reflex minimal reporting guideline that will allow researchers to avoid future errors and create more reliable and transparent research.Abstract Optokinetic reflex (OKR) assays in zebrafish models are a valuable tool for studying a diverse range of ophthalmological and neurological conditions. Despite its increasing popularity in recent years, there are no clear reporting guidelines for the assay. Following reporting guidelines in research enhances reproducibility, reduces bias, and mitigates underreporting and poor methodologies in published works. To better understand optimal reporting standards for an OKR assay in zebrafish, we performed a systematic literature review exploring the animal, environmental, and technical factors that should be considered. Using search criteria from three online databases, a total of 109 research papers were selected for review. Multiple crucial factors were identified, including larval characteristics, sample size, fixing method, OKR set-up, distance of stimulus, detailed stimulus parameters, eye recording, and eye movement analysis. The outcome of the literature analysis highlighted the insufficient information provided in past research papers and the lack of a systematic way to present the parameters related to each of the experimental factors. To circumvent any future errors and champion robust transparent research, we have created the zebrafish optokinetic (ZOK) reflex minimal reporting guideline.