Androgens Accelerate Thymocyte Apoptosis

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Abstract
Mechanisms of androgen-induced thymic involution are largely undefined. We have found that significant decreases in thymic size occur 2- 4 h after a dose of testosterone is administered to castrated male mice. This rapid rate of change suggests a role for androgen- induced apoptosis in modulating the size and composition of the thymus. Using thymic organ cultures to define these effects of an- drogens, we found that dihydrotestosterone treatment of thymus tis- sues from females or from castrated males results in enhancement of thymocyte apoptosis. Intact (androgen-replete) or testicular femini- zation, Tfm/Y (androgen-resistant) mice failed to show apoptotic change with androgen treatment, although the apoptotic response to glucocorticoids was present, suggesting a requirement for a functional androgen receptor. Acceleration of thymocyte apoptosis by androgens may mediate processes of thymocyte selection, with the potential to impart gender-specific characteristics on the peripheral T cell rep- ertoire. (Endocrinology 139: 748 -752, 1998)

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