Estrogen-androgen interaction: selective inhibition of estrogen-induced uterine peroxidase by testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone.

Abstract

The effect of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the induction of peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in the immature rat uterus by estradiol (E2) was investigated. T (0.5-12.5 mg/rat) given on 3 successive days produced a large increase in uterine weight but, in contrast to E2, did not induce peroxidase or significantly augment uterine G6PDH. However, this androgen, even at a very low dose (50 micrograms/rat three times), inhibited the induction of peroxidase without a corresponding effect on G6PDH when given concurrently with E2 and was more effective than DHT. Inhibition by androgen was also observed when diethylstilbestrol was used to stimulate uterine growth. Combined treatment with E2 (3 micrograms/rat) and T (3 mg/rat) produced a cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptor pattern in the uterus similar to that observed with E2 alone after various time intervals. The results speak against a direct inhibitory action or T on E2-induced uterine peroxidase via the estrogen receptor and confirm the lack of aromatization of T to E2 in the immature rat. Possible mechanisms for modifying the action of estrogens by androgens are discussed, particularly in the light of E2-induced eosinophilia. It is proposed that steroid hormones can interact in several ways and that uterine peroxidase provides a useful indicator to study steroid hormone action.