Exploring Developmental, Neurobehavioral, and Transcriptional Effects of Early Embryonic Testosterone Propionate Exposure in Zebrafish Larvae

Abstract Maternal hyperandrogenism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, alters the fetal hormonal milieu and has been epidemiologically associated with neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities. However, the mechanisms linking early androgen excess to altered neurodevelopmental trajectories remain poorly understood. Early embryonic development represents a critical period during which steroid hormone signalling contributes to neuronal development. In the present study, we investigated whether early embryonic testosterone propionate exposure alters developmental and behavioral phenotypes and is accompanied by changes in the expression of gene related to steroid hormone receptors, MAPK signalling, and neurotrophic processes in zebrafish larvae. Mortality and morphological assessments were performed to identify the concentration range for subsequent behavioral and molecular analyses. TP exposure altered spontaneous motor activity at 24 hpf and affected wall sticking behavior, vertical distribution, and light-dark preference at 5 and 7 dpf. Molecular analysis at 7dpf showed reduced transcript expression of androgen receptor