info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Hyperandrogenism Induces Histo-Architectural Changes in the Rat Uterus
Fecha
2019-06Registro en:
Bracho, Gisela Soledad; Altamirano, Gabriela Anahí; Kass, Laura; Luque, Enrique Hugo; Bosquiazzo, Veronica Lis; Hyperandrogenism Induces Histo-Architectural Changes in the Rat Uterus; SAGE Publications; Reproductive Sciences; 26; 5; 6-2019; 657-668
1933-7191
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Bracho, Gisela Soledad
Altamirano, Gabriela Anahí
Kass, Laura
Luque, Enrique Hugo
Bosquiazzo, Veronica Lis
Resumen
The effects of androgens on the uterus have been poorly studied and they need to be clarified to understand why androgen excess, such as observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a risk factor for the development of endometrial hyperplasia, cancer, and infertility. Thus, uterine histomorphology in a PCOS experimental model was evaluated. Beginning at weaning, female rats were injected daily with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 6 mg/100 g body weight) or vehicle (sesame oil) for 20 consecutive days. On postnatal day 41 (PND41), DHEA-treated animals showed high serum testosterone levels. In addition, uterine histological analysis showed a significant increase in luminal epithelial height and glandular density without changes in cell proliferation. The thickness of the subepithelial stroma and myometrium also increased in these animals. The effect of DHEA on uterine thickness was accompanied by a significant reduction in cell density in both tissue compartments (subepithelial stroma and myometrium). Cell proliferation was not altered in the myometrium, whereas a decrease in the proliferative activity was seen at PND41 in the subepithelial stroma of DHEA animals. The analysis of the extracellular space showed that the changes in the thickness of the subepithelial stroma and myometrium were related to an increase in the organization of collagen fibers and water imbibition. The latter was associated with higher aquaporin 3 and 8 expression. This study provides evidence to further the understanding of PCOS-associated hyperandrogenism effects on uterine architecture. This could have implications for the regulation of uterine function and the development of uterine lesions.