We have previously shown that androgens stimulate early stages of follicula
r development and that granulosal androgen receptor (AR) gene expression is
positively correlated with follicular growth. The present study was aimed
at elucidating potential interactions between FSH and androgens in follicul
ar development. Study groups included eight normal cycling rhesus monkeys (
five follicular and three luteal-phase), eight testosterone (T)-treated, an
d four FSH-treated animals. Examination of sequential ovary sections reveal
ed selective colocalization of AR and FSH receptor (FSHR) messenger RNAs (m
RNAs) in healthy, growing follicles. Moreover, individual follicles demonst
rate a highly significant (P < 0.001) positive correlation between FSHR and
AR mRNA levels in all study groups. Androgen treatment significantly incre
ased granulosa cell FSHR mRNA abundance (by approximately 50-100%, dependin
g on follicle size). FSH treatment increased granulosa AR mRNA levels only
in primary follicles. The finding that T augments follicular FSHR expressio
n suggests that androgens promote follicular growth and estrogen biosynthes
is indirectly, by amplifying FSH effect, and may partially explain the enha
nced responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation noted in women with polycys
tic ovary syndrome.