Submitted July 5, 2007
Returned for revision August 15, 2007
Accepted November 2, 2007
Minireview
Androgen Actions and the Ovary
K. A. Walters ,
C. M. Allan ,
and
D. J. Handelsman *
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: djh{at}anzac.edu.au.
Abstract
Although androgens and the androgen receptor (AR) have defining roles in male reproductive development and function, previously no role in female reproductive physiology beyond testosterone (T) as the precursor in estradiol (E2) biosynthesis was firmly established. Understanding the role and specific mechanisms of androgen action via the AR in the ovary has been limited by confusion on how to interpret results from pharmacological studies, because many androgens can be metabolised in vivo and in vitro to steroids that can also exert actions via the estrogen receptor (ESR). Recent genetic studies using mouse models with specific disruption of the Ar gene have highlighted the role AR-mediated actions play in maintaining female fertility through key roles in the regulation of follicle health, development and ovulation. Furthermore, these genetic studies have revealed that AR-mediated effects influence age-related female fertility, possibly via mechanisms acting predominantly at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in a dose-dependent manner. This review focuses on combining the findings from pharmacological studies and novel genetic mouse models to unravel the roles of ovarian androgen actions in relation to female fertility and ovarian ageing, as well as creating new insights into the role of androgens in androgen-associated reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Key words:
Ovary •
Androgen receptor •
Fertility •
Follicular development
