Structural and functional changes in rat uterus induced by neonatal androgenization

Fetal or neonatal androgen exposure has a programming effect on ovarian function inducing a polycystic ovarian syndrome-like condition. Its effects on uterine structure and function are poorly studied. The aim of this work was to characterize the temporal course of changes in the rat uterine structure induced by neonatal exposure to aromatizable or not aromatizable androgens. Rats were daily treated with testosterone, dihydrotestosterone or vehicle during follicle assembly period (postnatal days 1 to 5). Uterine histoarchitecture, hormonal milieu, endometrial stromal collagen and capillary density were analyzed at prepubertal, pubertal and adult ages. Our data shows that neonatal androgen exposure induces early and long-lasting deleterious effects on uterine development, including altered adenogenesis and superficial epithelial alterations and suggest a role for altered serum estradiol levels in the maintenance and worsening of the situation. Our results suggest that alterations of the neonatal androgenic environment on the uterus could be responsible for alterations in the processes of implantation and maintenance of the embryo in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.