Effects of testosterone and cortisol on the renal morphology of male Antechinus stuartii (Marsupialia).
The life cycle of the marsupial Antechinus stuartii includes postmating mortality of all males. A previous study found that renal morphology changes during the yearly cycle when endogenous concentrations of testosterone and cortisol are elevated in males. The present study determined whether administration of testosterone only, cortisol only, or testosterone plus cortisol affects renal structure in males at a time of year when endogenous hormones are low (May). Saline administration was used as the control. Gross morphometrics of the kidney did not show significant differences between groups. However, some pathological changes were observed in distal tubules and collecting ducts from cortisol-treated groups, and in the glomeruli of testosterone-treated males. Hypertrophy of the proximal tubules, distal straight tubules, and the cells of the cortical collecting duct occurred with the administration of testosterone. Distension of the distal convoluted tubules, cortical collecting ducts, and outer medullary collecting ducts occurred with the administration of cortisol, and there was some interaction with testosterone. Glomerular volumes increased with cortisol administration, although cortisol interacted with testosterone in the superficial glomeruli. Many of these changes mimicked those seen in the seasonal study, with the kidneys of the testosterone plus cortisol group closely resembling those of males in August, just prior to male mortality. The present study demonstrates that testosterone administration causes hypertrophy of renal tissue, whereas cortisol administration can cause tubular disruption in male A. stuartii.
McAllan
B M
BM
Department of Physiology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.
Roberts
J R
JR
O'Shea
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008394:Marsupialia / Q000502:physiology*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D012621:Seasons; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D013739:Testosterone; D006854:Hydrocortisone