Mp66-16 Differential Androgen Receptor Expression Across Mouse Tissues: Insights From Castration and Testosterone Pellet Administration

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (MP66)1 May 2024MP66-16 DIFFERENTIAL ANDROGEN RECEPTOR EXPRESSION ACROSS MOUSE TISSUES: INSIGHTS FROM CASTRATION AND TESTOSTERONE PELLET ADMINISTRATION Alexandra Varnum, Fakiha Firdaus, Kajal Khodamoradi, and Ranjith Ramasamy Alexandra VarnumAlexandra Varnum , Fakiha FirdausFakiha Firdaus , Kajal KhodamoradiKajal Khodamoradi , and Ranjith RamasamyRanjith Ramasamy View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001009468.01097.19.16AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Androgen receptors (ARs) are widely distributed across diverse tissues in the body, yet a comprehensive understanding of their expression levels in these tissues remains lacking. Steroid hormones, including testosterone, are known to interact with ARs, precipitating alterations such as the development of male secondary sex characteristics. We hypothesized that AR expression would differ across various mouse tissues, with further pronounced variation expected based on the serum testosterone levels. The aim of this study was to identify expression patterns of ARs within distinct mouse tissues, such as brain, prostate, and penis. METHODS: Male mice were subjected to one of three conditions: castration, administration of testosterone pellets (Testopel), or no intervention (control group). Approximately three months post-treatment, the mice were sacrificed, and tissues (brain, prostate, penis) was collected for analysis. Western blot analysis was employed, utilizing beta-actin to standardize protein expression levels. The membrane was subsequently probed using antibodies specific to androgen receptors and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Quantitative assessment was performed, normalized against expression levels of beta-actin. Protein concentrations on Western blot membranes were analyzed using Image J software. RESULTS: Both the AR and VEGF (marker of AR signaling) were increased in brain as compared to male reproductive tissues, such as the penis and prostate. This was evident in both the castrate mice as well as mice that received testosterone pellets, suggesting that the threshold for saturation in the brain may be higher than the threshold for AR saturation in the prostate or penis. As expected, both AR and VEGF expression was decreased in the mice that were castrate as compared to controls or mice that received testosterone pellets. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, discernible variations in AR and VEGF expression were observed across diverse tissues and in response to varied treatments (control, castration, testosterone pellet administration). Notably, expression differed in male reproductive organs compared to the brain, underscoring a compelling yet underexplored aspect pertaining to the androgen receptor saturation hypothesis. Download PPT Source of Funding: Supported by NIDDK grants R01 DK130991, UE5 DK137308, and Clinician Scientist Development Grant from American Cancer Society to Ranjith Ramasamy © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e1092 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Alexandra Varnum More articles by this author Fakiha Firdaus More articles by this author Kajal Khodamoradi More articles by this author Ranjith Ramasamy More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...