Absolute measurement of androgen receptor mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear, preputial skin and urethral mucosa cells of control individuals with phimosis using qRT-PCR.

INTRODUCTION

Androgen actions are exerted upon the androgen receptor (AR), and complete genital virilization of normal 46,XY individuals depends on adequate function and expression of the AR gene in a tissue-specific manner.

OBJECTIVE

Standardization of normal ARmRNA in androgen-sensitive tissues.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this study, we determined the quantitative amounts of ARmRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear, urethral mucosa and preputial skin cells of control subjects with phimosis by using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) values of AR expression in blood, urethra and prepuce were: 0.01 (0.01); 0.43 (0.32); 0.31 (0.36), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The AR expression is low in blood and equivalent in urethral mucosa and preputial skin, which may be useful in the diagnosis of individuals with abnormal external genitalia.