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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
Androgen resistance in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.)
Katherine L Gross1, Jenne M Westberry, Tina R Hubler
1Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA.
Comparative Medicine
|August 30, 2008
Summary
High androgen levels in squirrel monkeys may compensate for inefficient metabolism to dihydrotestosterone and low androgen receptor (AR) activity. This study investigated hormonal basis and AR sensitivity in squirrel monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Primate Physiology
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Squirrel monkeys exhibit unusually high serum androgen levels compared to humans.
- The physiological basis for these elevated androgens and their functional implications remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind high androgen levels in male squirrel monkeys.
- To assess androgen receptor (AR) sensitivity and identify potential contributing factors like enzyme activity and co-chaperone levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum testosterone, androstenedione, and dihydrotestosterone were quantified using mass spectrometry across seasons.
- Androgen receptor activity was assessed in transfected cells, examining responses to dihydrotestosterone.
- The role of FKBP51 and FKBP52 in AR signaling was investigated in squirrel monkey and human cell lines.
Main Results:
- Squirrel monkeys displayed significantly higher androgen levels than humans, peaking during the breeding season.
- Squirrel monkey cells showed a markedly lower response to dihydrotestosterone compared to human cells, indicating AR insensitivity.
- Low cellular FKBP52 levels were found to contribute to this androgen insensitivity, while FKBP51 did not play a role.
Conclusions:
- High androgen levels in squirrel monkeys likely serve as a compensatory mechanism.
- This compensation addresses both inefficient 5 alpha-reductase activity and reduced AR sensitivity due to low FKBP52 levels.
- Findings provide insight into primate reproductive endocrinology and hormone signaling.
