Characterization of Mediators of Cardiac And Renal Development in Response to Increased Prenatal Testosterone
Abstract
During fetal development, a complex interaction between numerous growth factors, receptors, and signaling pathways takes place to establish the regulation of the various hormonal and metabolic functions necessary for normal development, both during the fetal period as well as later in life. Alterations in the fetal environment during this time can modify normal gene expression, protein concentrations, metabolic cascades, and other physiologic functions. Exposure to excess prenatal androgens has been previously shown to cause growth restriction, alter sexual development and function, and cause the onset of symptoms that closely resemble those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, including the metabolic syndrome. Previously reported differences in cardiac and kidney weights at 21 months of age of female offspring from ewes treated with testosterone during early- to mid-gestation suggested the development of systemic hypertension. This observation led to the current study to evaluate if prenatal androgen excess influences cardiovascular development and can lead to adulthood disease by altering the expression of key mediators in the heart and kidneys, as well as if it can alter metabolic mediators important in glucose regulation. Pregnant Suffolk ewes were assigned to either a control or a prenatal testosterone treatment group. The treated ewes received twice weekly im injections of 100 mg testosterone (T)-propionate in 2.4 ml cottonseed oil from days 30 - 90 of gestation (term = 147). The control ewes received im injections of vehicle only.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA486166
Entities
People
- Ryan W. Maresh
Organizations
- Colorado State University