Generation and characterization of androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice: an in vivo model for the study of androgen functions in selective tissues

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002 Oct 15;99(21):13498-503. doi: 10.1073/pnas.212474399. Epub 2002 Oct 7.

Abstract

By using a cre-lox conditional knockout strategy, we report here the generation of androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice. Phenotype analysis shows that ARKO male mice have a female-like appearance and body weight. Their testes are 80% smaller and serum testosterone concentrations are lower than in wild-type (wt) mice. Spermatogenesis is arrested at pachytene spermatocytes. The number and size of adipocytes are also different between the wt and ARKO mice. Cancellous bone volumes of ARKO male mice are reduced compared with wt littermates. In addition, we found the average number of pups per litter in homologous and heterozygous ARKO female mice is lower than in wt female mice, suggesting potential defects in female fertility and/or ovulation. The cre-lox ARKO mouse provides a much-needed in vivo animal model to study androgen functions in the selective androgen target tissues in female or male mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / abnormalities
  • Androgens / physiology
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Bone and Bones / abnormalities
  • Female
  • Gene Targeting
  • Genitalia, Male / abnormalities
  • Heterozygote
  • Homozygote
  • Integrases / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Models, Biological
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Androgen / deficiency*
  • Receptors, Androgen / genetics
  • Receptors, Androgen / physiology
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Spermatogenesis / genetics
  • Spermatogenesis / physiology
  • Testis / abnormalities
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Viral Proteins
  • Testosterone
  • Cre recombinase
  • Integrases