Up and Down Expression of Androgen Receptor, Estrogen Receptor beta and Platelet Derived Growth Factor beta by Testosterone in Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Tissues

Objectives To investigate the effects of testosterone enanthate(TE) on serum lipids and lipoproteins metabolism and the expression of androgen receptor ( AR), estrogen receptor beta ( ER -β) and platelet derived growth factor beta (PDGFR-β ) in aortic vascular smooth muscle tissues(VSMTs). Methods Forty aged male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, group A (placebo group),group B (2.5 mg/kg intramuscular injection of TE once a week ), group C (5.0 mg/kg intramuscular injection of TE once a week ), group D ( 10.0 mg,/kg intramuscular injection of TE once a week). All animals were fed freely during 16 - week treatment periods. The expression of AR , ER - βand PDGFR - β were studied by Western bolt. Results Average serum LDL - C was lower in group D than that in group A ( p ＜ 0.01 ).Compared with the other groups, average serum TC was also lower in group D ( p ＜ 0.05). AR expression in aortic vascular smooth muscle tissues could be regulated by TE: 99.50 ± 21.74, 125.38 ± 28.68 and 101.98 ±15.42 for TE concentrations at 2.5 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kgand 10.0 mg/kg, respectively , the expression of ER -β could be regulated by TE: 92.34 ± 18.68, 47.72 ±18.12, 82.13 ±23.50, and the expression of PDGFR -β could be regulated as well by TE: 219.70 ± 45.59,50.16 ± 9.72, 125.36 ± 15.74 ( Data for AR , ER - βand PDGFR - β protein band intensity were expressed with x ± s, with control group taken as 100).Conclusions This study indicates that androgens have significant effects on serum lipids and lipoprotein metabolism. Testosterone enanthate at 5.0 mg/kg can stimulate the expression of AR, but inhibite the expression of PDGFR. Testosterone enanthate at the concentrations of 5.0 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg can inhibite the expression of ER - β.