Global and neuron but not granulosa cell loss of AR signaling protects against the development of the classic polycystic ovarian phenotype in the PCOS mouse model. (A) Ovary weights, confirming DHT-induced reduction in ovarian weight in WT mice, and showing no reduction in ovarian weight in DHT-induced PCOS ARKO female mice. Data are the mean ± SEM; n = 5 to 9 per genotype/treatment group. (B) Average number of atretic cyst-like follicles per ovary, displaying no significant development of cysts in DHT-induced PCOS ARKO females. Data are the mean ± SEM; n = 4 ovaries per genotype/treatment group. (C) Histological sections of representative ovaries, showing development of the classic PCOS ovarian phenotype in DHT-induced PCOS WT but not ARKO and NeurARKO ovaries. (D) Histological section of a representative cyst found in all groups treated with DHT. Cysts display a thinned and discordant granulosa cell layer, a dispersed theca cell layer (arrow), and an oocyte with a fragmented nucleolus that has lost connection with most or all of its surrounding granulosa cells. G, genotype; ns, no significant difference; T, DHT treatment; *, significant difference. (Magnification: 10×.) (*P < 0.05, two-way ANOVA.)