Testosterone Induces Increase in Aquaporin (AQP)-1, 5, and 7 Expressions in the Uteri of Ovariectomized Rats
July 2015
in “
The Journal of Membrane Biology
”
TLDR Testosterone increases certain proteins in the uterus, reducing fluid volume.
The study investigated the effects of testosterone on the expression of aquaporins (AQP-1, 5, and 7) in the uteri of ovariectomized rats, aiming to explain the reduction in uterine fluid volume under testosterone influence. Adult female rats were treated with testosterone, estrogen, or a combination, and the expression levels of AQP mRNAs were analyzed. Testosterone alone increased AQP-5 and 7 mRNA levels, while both testosterone and estrogen elevated AQP-1 mRNA levels. Pre-treatment with estrogen followed by testosterone further increased AQP expression, an effect antagonized by flutamide but not finasteride. Immunofluorescence showed high distribution of AQP-1 in uterine epithelium with either hormone, while AQP-5 and 7 were prominent with testosterone alone. The up-regulation of AQP expressions by testosterone could explain the observed decrease in uterine fluid volume.