Correlation of androgen receptors, aromatase, and 5-alpha reductase in the human vagina with menopausal status.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether aromatase and 5alpha-reductase mRNAs are expressed in human vagina and to evaluate the presence of androgen receptors in human vaginal tissue based on age and menopausal status.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Specimens obtained from clinical renal urology practice.


METHODS
Premenopausal and postmenopausal women undergoing surgery for prolapse or incontinence.


METHODS
Expression of aromatase and 5alpha-reductase type 1 and 2 mRNAs was evidenced by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the density of androgen receptors was measured by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
The mRNAs for aromatase and 5alpha-reductase isotypes 1 and 2 were detected in vaginal specimens. Androgen receptors were present in vaginal mucosa, submucosa, stroma, smooth muscle, and vascular endothelium. Expression was significantly greater in vaginal submucosa. A negative correlation existed between age and androgen receptor density.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of genes encoding for enzymes involved in testosterone metabolism in the human vagina, as well as androgen receptor location, density, and changes with menopausal status, suggests that androgens may play a role in regulating vaginal smooth muscle and vaginal blood flow.
Department of Urology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA. jberman@mednet.ucla.edu
Jennifer R
JR
Berman
Fernando G
FG
Almeida
Julie
J
Jolin
Shlomo
S
Raz
Gautam
G
Chaudhuri
Nestor F
NF
Gonzalez-Cadavid
D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001141:Aromatase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008593:Menopause / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014621:Vagina / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*
D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D012313:RNA; D001141:Aromatase; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase