[Effects of cryptotanshinone in lowering androgens synthesis for the prenatally androgenized male rats].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of cryptotanshinone on androgen synthesis for the prenatally androgenized male rats.


METHODS
On days 16-18 of pregnancy, rats were injected s. c. with testosterone propionas continuously for 3 days; male offspring were studied as subject. Serum concentrations of testosterone (T), 17a-hydroxy progesterone (17-OHP), blood glucose, and insulin were measured by radioimmunoassay. Then, the rats were treated with cryptotanshinone by gavage for 14 days, and the levels of serum T, 17-OHP and insulin were detected and the 17a-hydroxylase protein expression in interstitial cell was measured using the method of immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
There was no difference between the male groups who were prenatally androgenized in serum levels of T, but the 17-OHP, fasting insulin levels and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) elevated significantly (P < 0.05). Cryptotanshinone could lower the levels of 17-OHP (P < 0.05) but had no effect on 17a-hydroxylase.


CONCLUSIONS
Prenatally androgenized male rats exhibit elevated 17-OHP and diminished insulin sensitivity. Cryptotanshinone could decrease 17-OHP, but has no effect on insulin, indicating it may reduce androgen synthesis.
Li
Xi-He
XH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin.
Yang
Xin-Ming
XM
Wu
Xiao-Ke
XK
D000728:Androgens / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018811:Maternal Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010616:Phenanthrenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000728:Androgens; D010616:Phenanthrenes; C037886:cryptotanshinone