Publication: Structure and hormonal output of the adrenal gland after experimental estrogenization of male rats
Authors
Pavle Ćosić ; Svetlana Trifunović ; Branka Šošić-Jurjević ; Marko Miler ; Branko Filipović ; Milica Manojlović-Stojanoski ; Vladimir Ajdžanović
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Publisher
Universidad de Murcia, Departamento Histología e Histopatología
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Description
Abstract
Orchidectomy and estrogenization of the
male represent a procedure that is applicable in sex
reassignment or in prostate cancer therapy. This
approach has an influence on the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis and thus affects cardiovascular function and
metabolism. We utilized orchidectomized rats to
evaluate the effects of estradiol on the structure and
hormonal output of the adrenal gland. Adult Wistar rats
were divided into sham-operated (SO; n=7), orchidectomized (Orx; n=7), and estradiol-treated orchidectomized
(Orx+E; n=7) groups. Estradiol-dipropionate (0.625
mg/kg b.m.) was administered subcutaneously for three
weeks, while the SO and Orx groups received vehicle
alone. Set objectives were achieved using
histochemistry/immunohistochemistry, stereology, and
immunoassays. In Orx+E rats, the hormonal milieu was
characterized by decreased testosterone and increased
ACTH, compared with the Orx group. Also, orchidectomy and estradiol treatment provoked a significant
increase in adrenal cortex volume and volume of ZF per
se, with increased cell and nuclei volumes in all three
adrenocortical zones (ZG, ZF, and ZR), in comparison
with Orx rats. Concentrations of aldosterone in blood, as
well as corticosterone in blood and adrenal tissue were
increased, while circulating DHEA was decreased (with
increased immuno-expression of adrenocortical CYP 17
enzyme), all in Orx+E compared with Orx animals. The
wide zonal distribution of VEGF and the pronounced
blood supply within the ZF of Orx+E animals acted to
support the synthesis and secretion of corticosteroids.
These results seem cautionary in the context of young
male estrogenization, given the negative impact of high
mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids on cardiovascular function and metabolism.
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Citation
Histology and Histopathology, Vol.40, nº9, (2025), 1377-1396
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