FLUOXETINE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci & Tech)

Context: A recent study has shown that prolonged exposure to fluoxetine (Prozac) can significantly disrupt the behavior and reproductive traits of male guppy fish. 

Fluoxetine

• About: Fluoxetine is a widely used medication for treating depression, panic, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
• Mechanism of Action: It works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerve cells, which helps alleviate symptoms of these conditions.
• Effects of High Fluoxetine Concentrations:

oImpact on Guppy Fish: At low concentrations, fluoxetine decreases activity levels and increases refuge-seeking behavior in male guppies.

üGuppy fish referred to as the millionfish or rainbow fish and is among the most widely distributed tropical fish globally, as well as one of the most popular freshwater aquarium species.

oDose-Specific Effects: High fluoxetine concentrations lead to increased variation in body condition, while low concentrations affect sperm numbers.

oImportance of Individual Responses: This highlights the need to consider individual-level responses to pollution, as population-level effects might differ.

oChanges in Pace of Life Syndromes: Fluoxetine alters biological and behavioral traits, suggesting that higher activity levels in polluted waters could be energetically costly and detrimental to health.

oReproductive Behavior: Larger reproductive organs are associated with lower sperm quality, indicating that pollution may disrupt reproductive behavior and success.