In vivo regulation of apolipoprotein A-I gene expression by estradiol and testosterone occurs by different mechanisms in inbred strains of mice.

We tested the hypothesis that testosterone and estrogen modulate apoA-I gene expression and metabolism by different mechanisms that may be influenced by genetic factors. Male and female C3H/HeJ (atherosclerosis-resistant) and C57BL/6J (atherosclerosis-susceptible) mice (n = 5/group) were castrated (Placebo). Castrates were given 17 beta-estradiol (E2) at 0.16 microgram/g (E2L) or 5 micrograms/g (E2H) body weight per day, or testosterone (Testo) 1 microgram/g per day, 14 days after surgery, for 14 days. Plasma total cholesterol concentrations (TC) were higher in male Placebo mice than in females. Testosterone altered TC and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by gender and strain; however (HDL-C)/TC ratios and apoA-I concentrations were unaltered. Testosterone did reduce HDL particle diameters in both genders of C3H mice only. Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)/TC ratios remained constant and apoB increased in males only. E2L and E2H decreased TC, HDL-C/TC ratios, and apoA-I. Decrements varied by strain. HDL diameters decreased in both genders in C3H mice only; however, HDL size distributions were altered in both strains. LDL-C/TC ratios increased in all groups. E2L mice showed variable responses of apoB, but apoB rose uniformly in all E2H groups. Testosterone increased and E2H decreased hepatic apoA-I synthesis. ApoA-I mRNA concentrations remained stable in both Testo and E2 groups. ApoA-I gene transcription varied by strain and gender, but all changes were less than twofold. Testosterone did not affect hepatic apoB or LDL receptor mRNA, however, E2H increased both mRNAs in males but not in females. On Western blotting of liver membranes, E2H had little effect on mouse LDL receptor protein mass; by contrast, E2H increased LDL receptor approximately threefold in rats. In summary, responsiveness of mouse lipids to testosterone and E2 vary by strain and gender. Testosterone and E2 differ in their regulation of apoA-I production mainly at the level of translation. Hormones operate at several levels of gene regulation, suggesting that complex mechanisms are involved. Mice differ from rats and rabbits in their LDL receptor responsiveness to estradiol treatment.