Effects of Testosterone on the Expression of Connexin 26 and Connexin 43 in the Uterus of Rats During Early Pregnancy

The study from four years ago demonstrated that testosterone administration to pregnant rats altered the expression of connexin 26 and connexin 43 in the uterus, which are proteins important for cell communication and may affect uterine receptivity. Specifically, testosterone increased connexin 26 mRNA expression and decreased connexin 43 mRNA expression. The study also showed that these effects were likely mediated through the androgen receptor, as the co-administration of flutamide, an androgen receptor blocker, reversed the effects, while finasteride and anastrozole, which block testosterone's conversion to other hormones, did not. These findings suggest that elevated testosterone levels could contribute to early pregnancy loss and have implications for female fertility, especially in conditions like PCOS where high androgen levels are prevalent.