Project description:Prolactin (PRL) is a multifunctional hormone involved in diverse physiological processes, including lactation, reproduction, growth, and renal function. However, its effects on kidney morphology in seasonal mammals remain largely unexplored. The Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), a seasonally breeding species, exhibits distinct physiological adaptations in response to photoperiod-driven changes in prolactin levels. Previous studies have demonstrated that PRL treatment significantly increases kidney mass, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PRL on kidney morphology and the associated molecular pathways. Histological analysis using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining revealed that PRL treatment significantly increased convoluted tubule width (CTW). To elucidate the molecular basis of these morphological changes, transcriptome analysis was performed, identifying 19 significantly enriched pathways that were negatively correlated with CTW. These findings provide novel insights into the role of PRL in regulating seasonal kidney morphology and highlight key molecular pathways involved in this process.Our results contribute to a deeper understanding of PRL’s role in renal adaptations to seasonal changes, paving the way for future research into the endocrine regulation of kidney structure and function in seasonal mammals.
