Sub-Chronic Testosterone Treatment Increases the Levels of Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC)-α, β, and γ in the Kidney of Orchidectomized Adult Male Sprague–Dawley Rats

The study examined the impact of sub-chronic testosterone treatment on epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunit expression in the kidneys of orchidectomized male Sprague–Dawley rats, involving 8 groups of 8 rats each. Testosterone increased the mRNA and protein levels of α, β, and γ ENaC subunits, with higher doses leading to greater expression, suggesting enhanced sodium reabsorption and potential influence on blood pressure. Co-treatment with flutamide or finasteride reduced these levels, with flutamide showing a more significant effect, indicating the role of androgen receptors. The findings implied that testosterone might contribute to hypertension in males, highlighting the need for further research to confirm these mechanisms.