Testosterone decreases the number of implanting embryos, expression of pinopode and l-selectin ligand (MECA-79) in the endometrium of early pregnant rats

Abstract

Testosterone could have adverse effect on fertility. In this study, we hypothesized that this hormone could reduce the number of embryo implantations via affecting the normal endometrium ultrastructure and expression of endometrial proteins involved in implantation. Therefore, the aims were to identify these adverse testosterone effects. Methods: Intact pregnant rats were given 250 or 500 µg/kg/day testosterone for three days, beginning from day 1 of pregnancy. Rats were euthanized either at day 4 to analyze the ultra-structural changes in the endometrium and expression and distribution of MECA-79 protein, or at day 6 to determine the number of implantation sites. Results: Administration of 500 µg/kg/day testosterone suppresses endometrial pinopodes development and down-regulates expression and distribution of MECA-79 protein in the uterus. In addition, the number of implantation sites were markedly decreased. Conclusions: Changes in endometrial ultrastructure and expression of implantation protein in the endometrium in early pregnancy period could be the reason for failure of embryo implantation under testosterone influence.