Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of testosterone on mouse granulosa cell morphology, and the expression levels of anti‑Müllerian hormone (AMH), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia‑inducible factor‑1α (HIF‑1α). Mouse granulosa cells were isolated and identified, and their morphology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin, F‑actin, and follicle‑stimulating hormone receptor staining. The mRNA expression levels of AMH, VEGF and HIF‑1α were examined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and their protein secretion levels were investigated using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays. Testosterone treatment did not affect granulosa cell morphology; however, it significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of AMH and VEGF, and the protein secretion levels of AMH, VEGF and HIF‑1α. These results suggested that testosterone was able to regulate the functions of granulosa cells by upregulating the expression levels of AMH, VEGF and HIF‑1α.