Long-term exposure of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to Cr(VI): Reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI) or Cr6+) has gradually become an ecological threat to animal reproductive and nervous systems. In the current study, zebrafish (wild-type AB) were used as model to evaluate the effects of Cr (VI) exposure toxicity on the reproduction, neurotoxicity and offspring adverse development in adult zebrafish and larval offspring. In this study, Cr (VI) exposure interfered with gonadal development and serum hormone in zebrafish. Furthermore, Cr6+-induced brain injury, AChE activity and abnormal behavior in zebrafish. Finally, Cr (VI) exposure induces spontaneous movements, heart rate and malformation rate abnormalities in larval offspring (F1). Together, these results provide the evidence for Cr (VI)-induced reproductive toxicity and transgenerational effects in zebrafish.