Alteration of α_1A-Adrenoceptor Gene Expression in the Prostate of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Diabetes-associated alterations in prostate α_1A-adrenoceptor (α_1A-AR) gene expression were studied using a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: group I animals were vehicle-treated normal rats; group II consisted of vehicle-treated, STZ-diabetic rats; group III represented insulin-treated, STZ-diabetic rats (0.5 IU/kg three times daily for 4 days), and group IV animals were phlorizin-treated, STZ-diabetic rats (1 mg/kg three times daily for 4 days). The expression of mRNA that encoded protein of α_1A-AR in the rat prostate was studied using reverse transcription combined with polymerase chain reaction. The α_1A-AR protein expression in the prostate was studied by Western blotting analysis with a polyclonal antiserum. A 2.51 ± 0.21-fold increase in the mRNA level of α_1A-AR was observed in the prostate of diabetic rats (n = 8, p < 0.05). Similarly, there was a 2.23 ± 0.10-fold increase in the α_1A-AR protein level (n = 8, p < 0.05). Both insulin and phlorizin treatments restored the normal levels of mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, the gene expression of α_1A-AR is increased in the prostate of diabetic rats. Hyperglycemia plays a major role in this alteration.

Changes in bladder nerve‐growth factor and p75NTR genetic expression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

“…The concentration of RNA was estimated by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm. The 260/280 ratio was used to check for purity [9].…”

Effects of Experimentally Induced Diabetes Mellitus on Pharmacologically and Electrically Elicited Myometrial Contractility

“…There is considerable evidence that DM reduces the number of α‐adrenoceptors in heart muscle 22–25 . However, in other organs, such as the prostate or brain, DM has been reported to increase adrenoceptor density 26,27 . The experiments that investigated changes in receptors in uterine tissue were restricted to those days on which differences were found in vitro .…”

The effects of experimental diabetes mellitus on the adrenergic functions of the rat uterus

“…It is well known, that DM increases the AR density in the prostate and brain [66,67] and also reduces the number of α-ARs in the heart muscle [68][69][70][71]. The aorta has been reported to produce increased reactivity to NA without changing the affinity [72,73].…”