Dydrogesterone affects the transcription of genes in GnRH and steroidogenesis pathways and increases the frequency of atretic follicles in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Dydrogesterone (DDG) is a synthetic progestin broadly used in human and veterinary medicine and has been widely detected in aquatic environments. However, its potential effects on aquatic organisms are little documented. Here we investigate the short-term effects of DDG on the transcriptional and histological responses in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult zebrafish were exposed to 32.0, 305 and 2490 ng L of DDG for 14 days. Real time quantitative PCR analysis showed that DDG significantly increased transcripts of most genes involved in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pathway in the brain of female. In contrast, apparent down-regulation of these gene transcriptions was observed in the brain of males. The transcription of cyp19a1a in the ovary had a 2.3 fold increase at 2490 ng L of DDG and the transcription of hsd17b2 at 305 and 2490 ng L in the testis was enhanced by approximately 2.0 fold and 2.4 fold, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed exposure to 2490 ng L DDG significantly increased the percentage of atretic follicles in the ovary. The results of this study suggest that DDG has potential endocrine disrupting effects and affects the ovarian development in zebrafish.