Increased Cytosolic Androgen Receptor Binding in Rat Striated Muscle Following Denervation and Disuse

The effects of denervation and disuse on cytosolic androgen receptor binding by rat striated muscle are investigated. Denervation of the extensor digitorum longus and tibialis anterior muscles caused by a 40-50-percent increase in cytosolic androgen receptor concentration with no change in apparent binding affinity. This effect was evident at 6 h postdenervation, maximal at 24 h, and declined to 120 percent of the control level 72 h after denervation. A 40-percent increase in cytosolic androgen receptor concentration was also noted 24 hr after denervation of the hormone-sensitive levator ani muscle. The effect of denervation on androgen receptors was blocked by in vivo injection of cycloheximide; therefore, de novo receptor synthesis probably is not involved in the observed increase. Disuse, produced by subperineurial injection of tetrodotoxin into the tibial and common peroneal branches of the sciatic nerve, mimicked the effect of denervation on androgen receptor binding, suggesting that neuromuscular activity is important in regulation of receptor concentration. Possible mechanisms subserving this effect are discussed.