Objective: To investigate the effect of testosterone on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in human monocytic cell line THP-1.
Methods: Cultured THP-1 cells were stimulated by testosterone with different concentrations and the AR protein was examined by Western blotting.
Results: AR expression was observed in unstimulated THP-1 cells and the quantity of AR expression was reduced by testosterone treatment in a dose-dependent manner. A selective AR blocker completely abolished this inhibitory effect of testosterone on AR expresison.
Conclusion: Testosterone simulation time- and dose dependently reduces AR expression in THP-1 cells.