Role of KNDy neurons in puberty onset in male offspring following prenatal androgen exposure

Abstract

Objective: Emerging evidence links prenatal androgen excess to altered pubertal timing, yet the neuroendocrine mechanisms mediating this effect in male offspring remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal androgen exposure on the timing of puberty onset in male offspring and the role of KNDy neurons in this process. Methods: Eight-week-old pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 16) were randomized into control (olive oil) and prenatal androgen (PNA, testosterone injection) groups (n = 8 per group). Hypothalamic samples of six male offspring rats at postnatal day (PND) 21 (n = 3 per group) were collected for transcriptome analysis. The time of puberty onse..