Brain aromatase modulates cardiac functions in embryonic zebrafish

Oestradiol (E₂) is known as a female reproductive hormone with pleiotropic effects on the cardiovascular system. Local E₂ biosynthesis such as in the brain and myocardial cells have important physiological and pathophysiological roles. E₂ production is catalysed by aromatase (Aro) enzyme. In teleost, two Aro isoforms are distinctly expressed in the ovary and brain. In this study, the role of brain Aro (AroB) in modulating cardiovascular system is investigated. AroB MO-mediated knockdown decreased ventricular functions. Moreover, embryos injected with AroB MO displays a sign in developing heart failure. All the effects caused by AroB MO were partially reversed by exposure to E₂. Taken together, this study demonstrates the role of AroB in modulating normal cardiovascular function in zebrafish embryos.