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Androgen receptor expression in developing male reproductive organs
P S Cooke1, P Young, G R Cunha
1Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
Endocrinology
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Androgen receptors (AR) appear sequentially in male mouse reproductive organs during development. Epithelial AR expression begins in efferent ductules, then Wolffian-derived organs, and finally UGS-derived organs.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Androgen receptors (AR) are crucial for male reproductive organ development.
- Understanding the temporal and spatial distribution of AR is key to studying reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the developmental expression patterns of androgen receptors (AR) in the male mouse reproductive tract.
- To identify the sequence and timing of epithelial AR appearance in various reproductive organs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3H-dihydrotestosterone steroid autoradiography in BALB/c mice.
- Examined reproductive organs from embryonic day 13 to postnatal day 10.
- Analyzed AR distribution in mesenchymal/stromal and epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- All examined organs showed mesenchymal/stromal AR throughout development.
- Epithelial AR expression initiated in efferent ductules by embryonic day 16.
- A cranial-to-caudal gradient of epithelial AR expression was observed, with Wolffian and UGS derivatives showing later expression.
Conclusions:
- Epithelial androgen receptor expression in the male reproductive tract follows a distinct temporal and spatial pattern.
- This sequential expression, starting cranially, suggests coordinated developmental regulation.
- Mesenchymal-stromal cells may play a role in initiating epithelial AR expression.