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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 27, 2025

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making

Published on: March 2, 2011

Testosterone modulates renal ammonia metabolism.

Autumn N Harris^1,2, Hyun-Wook Lee², Jill W Verlander²

¹Deparment of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology

|March 3, 2020

Summary

Testosterone significantly impacts kidney size and ammonia metabolism in male mice. Removing testosterone increased ammonia excretion and altered key protein expression, effects reversed by testosterone replacement.

Keywords:

acid-base ammonia androgen receptor sex differences testosterone

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Area of Science:

Nephrology
Endocrinology
Metabolism

Background:

Sex differences exist in renal structure and ammonia metabolism.
Testosterone, a key male sex hormone, is suspected to influence these differences.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of testis-derived testosterone in sex differences in renal ammonia metabolism and kidney structure.
To determine the effects of testosterone on specific proteins involved in renal ammonia generation and transport.

Main Methods:

Bilateral orchiectomy (ORCH) was performed on male mice, followed by testosterone replacement therapy.
Kidney and proximal tubule size were measured.
Ammonia excretion was quantified.
Expression levels of key proteins (phosphoenolpyruvate, Na+/K+-2Cl- cotransporter, Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3) were analyzed.
Androgen receptor (AR) cellular expression was examined.

Main Results:

Orchiectomy reduced kidney and proximal tubule size, an effect reversed by testosterone replacement.
Testosterone deficiency increased ammonia excretion, altered expression of ammonia-generating and reabsorbing proteins, and decreased proximal tubule ammonia secretion.
Androgen receptors are present throughout the proximal tubule in both male and female kidneys.

Conclusions:

Testosterone plays a critical role in regulating kidney size and ammonia metabolism in male mice.
Testosterone influences ammonia generation, reabsorption, and secretion through effects on specific protein expression.
The findings suggest testosterone, potentially via ARs, modulates renal function and ammonia handling.