Genomic and non-genomic mechanisms of androgens in the lower urinary tract smooth muscle of healthy and ovariectomized rats

Author(s)

Sandra Milena Bonilla Becerra

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
• Defense date: 2020-10-30

Examining board members

Edson Antunes; Cristina Antoniali Silva; Mário Angelo Claudino; Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito; Bruno Rodrigues

• Advisor: Edson Antunes

Abstract

The hormonal decline in women leads to the so-called genitourinary syndrome on menopause (GSM), that include, among other factors, the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such us increment of urinary frequency, urgency, noctúria and urinary incontinence, affecting negatively the quality of life and social interaction of the person. The hormonal replacement with testosterone has been used in postmenopausal women to relieve certain symptoms of the androgenic deficiency as loss of libido, musculoskeletal mass and cognitive function. However, few studies have focused to understanding of effects of androgenic replacement on voiding dysfunction. A previous study of our group evaluated the effects of testosterone replacement on voiding dysfunction in rats after 4 months of ovariectomy (OVX). Hormonal reduction causes in vivo voiding changes (increment of frequency and the basal, threshold and post- voiding pressures), as well as bladder hypocontractility and urethral hypercontractility in vitro which were reverted by androgen in supraphysiological doses. These protective effects of testosterone were independent of estrogen synthesis, because they remained even after treatment with letrozol (inhibitor of aromatization of testosterone). However, we still do not know the mechanism of action of androgens on the smooth muscle of lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) under physiological and pathological condition (OVX)... The abstract is available with the full electronic document (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/26564-9 - Genomic and non-genomic mechanisms of androgens in the lower urinary tract smooth muscle of healthy and ovariectomized rats
• Grantee: Sandra Milena Bonilla Becerra
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate