Regional Variation in Androgen Receptor Expression and Biomechanical Properties May Contribute to Cryptorchidism Susceptibility in the LE/Orl Rat

The study explored androgen receptor (AR) expression and biomechanical properties in the gubernaculum of LE/orl rats to understand cryptorchidism susceptibility. It found that AR expression was enhanced in mesenchymal cells, particularly in the tip region, and was stimulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in a dose-dependent manner. However, DHT did not affect the morphology of gubernacular muscle cells or the production of extracellular matrix proteins. The study noted regional differences in AR expression, cellular density, and organ stiffness, which may contribute to gubernacular malfunction in the LE/orl strain. These findings suggested that dysfunctional AR signaling and genetic interactions between Syne2 and Ncoa4 genes played a role in cryptorchidism. The study involved analyzing gubernacula from at least 3 fetuses and 2 separate litters.