The negative cardiovascular effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and vitamin
D deficiency (VDD) have been discussed previously; however, the sex differences between
PCOS females and males are not yet known. Our aim was to investigate the effect of
PCOS and VDD in the carotid artery of male and female Wistar rats. Females were treated
with transdermal testosterone (Androgel) for 8 weeks, which caused PCOS. VDD and vitamin
D supplementation were accomplished via diet. The carotid arteries’ contraction and
relaxation were examined using myography. Receptor density was investigated using
immunohistochemistry. In PCOS females, angiotensin receptor density, angiotensin II-induced
contraction, androgen receptor optical density, and testosterone-induced relaxation
increased. The increased contractile response may increase cardiovascular vulnerability
in women with PCOS. As an effect of VDD, estrogen receptor density increased in all
our groups, which probably compensated for the reduced relaxation caused by VDD. Testosterone-induced
relaxation was decreased as a result of VDD in males and non-PCOS females, whereas
this reduction was absent in PCOS females. Male sex is associated with increased contraction
ability compared with non-PCOS and PCOS females. VDD and Androgel treatment show significant
gender differences in their effects on carotid artery reactivity. Both VDD and PCOS
result in a dysfunctional vascular response, which can contribute to cardiovascular
diseases.
