Androgen receptor antagonist flutamide modulates estrogen receptor alpha expression in distinct regions of the hypospadiac rat penis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Intrauterine exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), particularly anti-androgens, has been implicated in hypospadias by disrupting fetal masculinization of the genital tubercle (GT). Other pathways, including estrogen signaling, may also contribute but remain poorly characterized, especially in rats - a key model in chemical toxicity testing. Estrogen signaling has also been linked to hypospadias in mice, raising questions about androgen-estrogen interactions in guiding GT differentiation.

Methods

We induced hypospadias in male rat offspring via intrauterine exposure to the antiandrogenic drug flutamide and characterized androgen and estrogen receptor expression.

Results

We observed key structural and transcriptional changes in the developing p

SUBMITTER: Elmelund E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12464887 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature