Non-expression of androgen receptors in the carotid intimal medial zone

Abstract

Androgens and oestrogens have been implicated in the noted gender differences in the increasing intimal medial thickness. Oestrogens are protective in females while the role of androgens as male disadvantage remains in conflict. There have been reports that androgens are protective while other reports suggest they are bane. The distribution of androgen receptors in the carotid intimal medial thickness may help explain this propensity. Thirty six samples from the proximal, middle and distal carotid artery segments and three sections of prostate gland from three different men were collected within 48 hours of demise were processed for routine light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The prostate samples were mounted next to the carotid artery samples on the same slide for immunohistochemical staining. They were stained using anti-human mouse androgen receptor monoclonal antibody (AR318) for androgen receptors. All prostate control samples stained for androgen receptors. Androgen receptors were not expressed in any of the carotid arterial walls. The carotid intimomedial thickness is not influenced by the presence of androgen receptors.