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Kelly AM, Thompson RR. Testosterone facilitates nonreproductive, context-appropriate pro- and anti-social behavior in female and male Mongolian gerbils. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105436. [PMID: 37776832 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of literature suggests that testosterone (T) rapidly modulates behavior in a context-specific manner. However, the timescales in which T can rapidly mediate distinct types of behavior, such as pro- vs. anti- social responses, has not been studied. Thus, here we examined acute T influences on social behavior in male and female Mongolian gerbils in nonreproductive contexts. Females and males received an injection of either saline or T and were first tested in a social interaction test with a same-sex, familiar peer. 5 min after the peer interaction, subjects then underwent a resident-intruder test with a novel, same-sex conspecific. After another 5 min, gerbils were tested in a novel object task to test context-specificity (i.e., social vs. nonsocial) of T effects on behavior. Within 1 h, males and females injected with T exhibited more huddling with a peer but more active avoidance of and less time spent in proximity of an intruder than did animals injected with saline. T effects on behavior were specific to social contexts, such that T did not influence investigation of the novel object. Together these findings show that T rapidly promotes pro-social responses to a familiar peer and anti-social responses to an intruder in the same individuals within 5 min of experiencing these disparate social contexts. This demonstrates that T rapidly facilitates behavior in a context-appropriate manner outside the context of reproduction and reveals that rapid effects of T on behavior are not restricted to males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Richmond R Thompson
- Division of Social Sciences, Oxford College of Emory University, 801 Emory Street, Oxford, GA 30054, USA
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Hauger LE, Westlye LT, Fjell AM, Walhovd KB, Bjørnebekk A. Structural brain characteristics of anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence in men. Addiction 2019; 114:1405-1415. [PMID: 30955206 PMCID: PMC6767448 DOI: 10.1111/add.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM To identify differences in brain morphology between dependent and non-dependent male anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) users. DESIGN This study used cross-sectional data from a longitudinal study on male weightlifters. PARTICIPANTS Oslo University Hospital, Norway. SETTING Eighty-one AAS users were divided into two groups; AAS-dependent (n = 43) and AAS-non-dependent (n = 38). MEASUREMENTS Neuroanatomical volumes and cerebral cortical thickness were estimated based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using FreeSurfer. Background and health information were obtained using a semi-structured interview. AAS-dependence was evaluated in a standardized clinical interview using a version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, adapted to apply to AAS-dependence. FINDINGS Compared with non-dependent users, dependent users had significantly thinner cortex in three clusters of the right hemisphere and in five clusters of the left hemisphere, including frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital regions. Profound differences were seen in frontal regions (left pars orbitalis, cluster-wise P < 0.001, right superior frontal, cluster-wise P < 0.001), as has been observed in other dependencies. Group differences were also seen when excluding participants with previous or current non-AAS drug abuse (left pre-central, cluster-wise P < 0.001, left pars orbitalis, cluster-wise P = 0.010). CONCLUSION Male dependent anabolic-androgenic steroid users appear to have thinner cortex in widespread regions, specifically in pre-frontal areas involved in inhibitory control and emotional regulation, compared with non-dependent anabolic-androgenic steroid users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E. Hauger
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and AddictionOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Lars T. Westlye
- NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloNorway,Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Anders M. Fjell
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Kristine B. Walhovd
- Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition, Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway,Department of Radiology and Nuclear MedicineOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Astrid Bjørnebekk
- The Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Research Group, National Advisory Unit on Substance Use Disorder Treatment, the Division of Mental Health and AddictionOslo University HospitalOsloNorway
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3
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Grönbladh A, Nylander E, Hallberg M. The neurobiology and addiction potential of anabolic androgenic steroids and the effects of growth hormone. Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:127-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Mad men, women and steroid cocktails: a review of the impact of sex and other factors on anabolic androgenic steroids effects on affective behaviors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:549-69. [PMID: 26758282 PMCID: PMC4751878 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE For several decades, elite athletes and a growing number of recreational consumers have used anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) as performance enhancing drugs. Despite mounting evidence that illicit use of these synthetic steroids has detrimental effects on affective states, information available on sex-specific actions of these drugs is lacking. OBJECTIVES The focus of this review is to assess information to date on the importance of sex and its interaction with other environmental factors on affective behaviors, with an emphasis on data derived from non-human studies. METHODS The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies in both sexes. RESULTS Studies examining AAS use in females are limited, reflecting the lower prevalence of use in this sex. Data, however, indicate significant sex-specific differences in AAS effects on anxiety-like and aggressive behaviors, interactions with other drugs of abuse, and the interplay of AAS with other environmental factors such as diet and exercise. CONCLUSIONS Current methods for assessing AAS use have limitations that suggest biases of both under- and over-reporting, which may be amplified for females who are poorly represented in self-report studies of human subjects and are rarely used in animal studies. Data from animal literature suggest that there are significant sex-specific differences in the impact of AAS on aggression, anxiety, and concomitant use of other abused substances. These results have relevance for human females who take these drugs as performance-enhancing substances and for transgender XX individuals who may illicitly self-administer AAS as they transition to a male gender identity.
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Gauvin DV, Zimmermann ZJ, Baird TJ. Preclinical assessment of abuse liability of biologics: In defense of current regulatory control policies. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 73:43-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Fattore L, Melis M, Fadda P, Fratta W. Sex differences in addictive disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:272-84. [PMID: 24769267 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gender-dependent differences in the rate of initiation and frequency of misuse of addicting drugs have been widely described. Yet, men and women also differ in their propensity to become addicted to other rewarding stimuli (e.g., sex, food) or activities (e.g., gambling, exercising). The goal of the present review is to summarize current evidence for gender differences not only in drug addiction, but also in other forms of addictive behaviours. Thus, we first reviewed studies showing gender-dependent differences in drug addiction, food addiction, compulsive sexual activity, pathological gambling, Internet addiction and physical exercise addiction. Potential risk factors and underlying brain mechanisms are also examined, with particular emphasis given to the role of sex hormones in modulating addictive behaviours. Investigations on factors allowing the pursuit of non-drug rewards to become pathological in men and women are crucial for designing gender-appropriate treatments of both substance and non-substance addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Miriam Melis
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Italy
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Wood RI, Armstrong A, Fridkin V, Shah V, Najafi A, Jakowec M. 'Roid rage in rats? Testosterone effects on aggressive motivation, impulsivity and tyrosine hydroxylase. Physiol Behav 2013; 110-111:6-12. [PMID: 23266798 PMCID: PMC3615053 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In humans and animals, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) increase aggression, but the underlying behavioral mechanisms are unclear. AAS may increase the motivation to fight. Alternatively, AAS may increase impulsive behavior, consistent with the popular image of 'roid rage. To test this, adolescent male rats were treated chronically with testosterone (7.5mg/kg) or vehicle and tested for aggressive motivation and impulsivity. Rats were trained to respond on a nose-poke on a 10 min fixed-interval schedule for the opportunity to fight in their home cage with an unfamiliar rat. Although testosterone increased aggression (6.3±1.3 fights/5 min vs 2.4±0.8 for controls, p<0.05), there was no difference in operant responding (28.4±1.6 nose-pokes/10 min for testosterone, 32.4±7.0 for vehicle). This suggests that testosterone does not enhance motivation for aggression. To test for impulsivity, rats were trained to respond for food in a delay-discounting procedure. In an operant chamber, one lever delivered one food pellet immediately, the other lever gave 4 pellets after a delay (0, 15, 30 or 45 s). In testosterone- and vehicle-treated rats, body weights and food intake did not differ. However, testosterone-treated rats chose the larger, delayed reward more often (4.5±0.7 times in 10 trials with 45 s delay) than vehicle controls (2.5±0.5 times, p<0.05), consistent with a reduction in impulsive choice. Thus, although chronic high-dose testosterone enhances aggression, this does not include an increase in impulsive behavior or motivation to fight. This is further supported by measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by Western immunoblot analysis in brain regions important for motivation (nucleus accumbens, Acb) and executive function (medial prefrontal cortex, PFC). There were no differences in TH between testosterone- and vehicle-treated rats in Acb or PFC. However, testosterone significantly reduced TH (to 76.9±3.1% of controls, p<0.05) in the caudate-putamen, a brain area important for behavioral inhibition, motor control and habit learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Wood
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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8
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Wood RI, Vertelkina NV, Antzoulatos E. Testosterone as a discriminative stimulus in male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:185-90. [PMID: 21893083 PMCID: PMC3183107 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone and other anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are reinforcing in animals, as determined by conditioned place preference or self-administration. Most drugs of abuse produce subjective effects on mood and perception that initiate and maintain drug taking. Whether AAS have similar effects is not known. Food-restricted male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=9) were tested for their ability to discriminate an injection of testosterone from the β-cyclodextrin vehicle using a standard two-lever operant paradigm. In drug discrimination, animals use the subjective effects of drug or vehicle to select the appropriate lever to obtain food pellets under an FR10 schedule of reinforcement. All rats demonstrated vigorous responding for food (1415.1±76.1 responses/20 min) with 94.9% of responses on the active lever. For the first 30 days, rats received 1mg/kg testosterone sc 30 min before testing. On Day 14, one rat achieved the discrimination criteria of 9/10 consecutive days with >90% responses on the active lever and ≤5 responses on the inactive lever before the first reinforcement. Subsequently, rats were tested with testosterone at different doses (2, 7.5, 15 mg/kg at 30 min before testing) and times (2mg/kg at 30 or 60 min before testing), each for 20 days. One additional rat demonstrated successful discrimination at Day 54 with 2mg/kg testosterone 60 min before testing. The remaining 7 rats failed to discriminate testosterone within 110 days. When analyzed according to less-stringent standards, 4 additional rats met criteria for testosterone discrimination. However, continued performance was not stable. Thus, testosterone was unable to consistently support drug discrimination. We conclude that testosterone does not produce rapid interoceptive effects (NIH DA12843 to RIW).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Wood
- Department of Cell & Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo St. BMT 408, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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9
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Mello NK, Knudson IM, Kelly M, Fivel PA, Mendelson JH. Effects of progesterone and testosterone on cocaine self-administration and cocaine discrimination by female rhesus monkeys. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:2187-99. [PMID: 21796112 PMCID: PMC3176575 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid hormone progesterone attenuates cocaine's abuse-related effects in women and in rodents under some conditions, but the effects of testosterone are unknown. We compared the acute effects of progesterone (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg, intramuscularly (i.m.)), testosterone (0.001, 0.003, and 0.01 mg/kg, i.m.), and placebo on cocaine self-administration and cocaine discrimination dose-effect curves in female rhesus monkeys. Cocaine self-administration (0.03 mg/kg per inj.) was maintained on a fixed ratio 30 schedule of reinforcement, and monkeys had unlimited access to cocaine for 2 h each day. Cocaine doses were administered in an irregular order during each dose-effect curve determination, and the same dose order was used in each subject in all treatment conditions. Blood samples for hormone analysis were collected at the end of each test session. Banana-flavored food pellets (1 g) were also available in three 1-h daily sessions. In drug discrimination studies, the effects of pretreatment with progesterone (0.032-0.32 mg/kg, i.m.) and testosterone (0.001-0.01 mg/kg, i.m.) on the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine (0.18 mg/kg, i.m.) were examined. Progesterone and testosterone did not alter cocaine discrimination, and did not substitute for cocaine. In contrast, progesterone and testosterone each significantly decreased cocaine self-administration, and produced a downward and rightward shift in the cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve. These findings are concordant with clinical reports that progesterone administration may decrease ratings of positive subjective effects of cocaine in women, and suggest the possible value of neuroactive steroid hormones for the treatment of cocaine abuse and reduction of risk for relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy K Mello
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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Sato SM, Johansen JA, Jordan CL, Wood RI. Membrane androgen receptors may mediate androgen reinforcement. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010; 35:1063-73. [PMID: 20137860 PMCID: PMC2891198 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is widespread. Moreover, AAS are reinforcing, as shown by self-administration in rodents. However, the receptors that transduce the reinforcing effects of AAS are unclear. AAS may bind to classical nuclear androgen receptors (ARs) or membrane receptors. We used two approaches to examine the role of nuclear ARs in AAS self-administration. First, we tested androgen self-administration in rats with the testicular feminization mutation (Tfm), which interferes with androgen binding. If nuclear ARs are essential for AAS self-administration, Tfm males should not self-administer androgens. Tfm males and wild-type (WT) littermates self-administered the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or vehicle intracerebroventricularly (ICV) at fixed-ratio (FR) schedules up to FR5. Both Tfm and WT rats acquired a preference for the active nose-poke during DHT self-administration (66.4+/-9.6 responses/4 h for Tfm and 79.2+/-11.5 for WT responses/4 h), and nose-pokes increased as the FR requirement increased. Preference scores were significantly lower in rats self-administering vehicle (42.3+/-5.3 responses/4 h for Tfm and 19.1+/-4.0 responses/4 h for WT). We also tested self-administration of DHT conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) at C3 and C17, which is limited to actions at the cell surface. Hamsters were allowed to self-administer DHT, BSA and DHT-BSA conjugates for 15 days at FR1. The hamsters showed a significant preference for DHT (18.0+/-4.1 responses/4 h) or DHT-BSA conjugates (10.0+/-3.7 responses/4 h and 21.0+/-7.2 responses/4 h), but not for BSA (2.5+/-2.4 responses/4 h). Taken together, these data demonstrate that nuclear ARs are not required for androgen self-administration. Furthermore, androgen self-administration may be mediated by plasma membrane receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru M. Sato
- Department of Cell & Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
| | - Jamie A. Johansen
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Cynthia L. Jordan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824,Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Ruth I. Wood
- Department of Cell & Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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Effects of exogenous testosterone on the ventral striatal BOLD response during reward anticipation in healthy women. Neuroimage 2010; 52:277-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Bento-Silva MT, Martins MDCDCE, Torres-Leal FL, Barros TL, Carvalho ILDNFD, Carvalho Filho HA, Almeida FRDC. Effects of administering testosterone undecanoate in rats subjected to physical exercise: effects on the estrous cycle, motor behavior and morphology of the liver and kidney. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-82502010000100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the work was evaluate the effects of testosterone undecanoate (TU) treatment combined with moderate physical training on: the estrous cycle, body weight (BW), motor behavior (MB), and the morphohistology of the reproductive system, the liver and kidney in rats. Female Wistar rats (180 g - 250 g) were divided as follows: sedentary + TU (S + TU), trained + TU (T + TU), sedentary + vehicle (S + V), trained + vehicle (T + V). The rats swam 50 min/Day, strapped with a 5% BW load, for 4 weeks. During this training, (BW) was monitored daily as well as the estrous cycle (EC) by vaginal smear. The TU (15 mg/kg s.c) was administered 3 times/week for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, data on MB, BW and morphohistopathological changes in viscera were compiled. The (T + TU) group had on average, a higher (BW) in the fourth week compared to the first week, and (BW) higher than (S + V) and (S + TU) groups. We noted an interruption in the EC and a decrease in weight of ovaries in animals treated with TU. In addition, there was an increase in the relative weight of the heart in groups (T + V) and (T+ TU), and kidneys in group (T + TU). Histopathological analysis showed periportal congestion and isolated foci of hepatic necrosis in rats with TU. Thus, TU combined with training abolished the EC, promoted ovarian atrophy, liver necrosis, cardiac hypertrophy and a decrease in motor activity.
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Wood RI. Anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence? Insights from animals and humans. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:490-506. [PMID: 18275992 PMCID: PMC2585375 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are drugs of abuse. They are taken in large quantities by athletes and others to increase performance, with negative health consequences. As a result, in 1991 testosterone and related AAS were declared controlled substances. However, the relative abuse and dependence liability of AAS have not been fully characterized. In humans, it is difficult to separate the direct psychoactive effects of AAS from reinforcement due to their systemic anabolic effects. However, using conditioned place preference and self-administration, studies in animals have demonstrated that AAS are reinforcing in a context where athletic performance is irrelevant. Furthermore, AAS share brain sites of action and neurotransmitter systems in common with other drugs of abuse. In particular, recent evidence links AAS with opioids. In humans, AAS abuse is associated with prescription opioid use. In animals, AAS overdose produces symptoms resembling opioid overdose, and AAS modify the activity of the endogenous opioid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth I Wood
- Department of Cell & Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo Street, BMT 401, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Frye CA, Babson A, Walf AA. Self-administration of 3α-androstanediol increases locomotion and analgesia and decreases aggressive behavior of male hamsters. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 86:415-21. [PMID: 16828856 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2006] [Revised: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 05/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Androgens, such as testosterone (T), can have reinforcing effect, which may be due in part to actions of T's metabolite, 3alpha-androstanediol (3alpha-diol). To investigate rewarding effects of 3alpha-diol, gonadally intact adult male hamsters were given a two-bottle choice test to determine the amount of 3alpha-diol that would be self-administered over 4 days of exposure. After 2 days of habituation and 4 days of monitoring of consumption, hamsters were tested in an activity monitor and the open field (locomotion/exploration), paw lick (analgesia) and resident-intruder (aggression) tasks. Hamsters consumed significantly more 3alpha-diol than vehicle in the two-bottle choice test. Hamsters that were allowed to self-administer 3alpha-diol made significantly more beam breaks and total entries in the open field had increased latencies to pawlick, and engaged in significantly fewer attacks, than did hamsters with access to vehicle alone. Hamsters that self-administered 3alpha-diol had higher levels of 3alpha-diol in serum, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum and midbrain than did hamsters with access to vehicle alone. Together, these data suggest that 3alpha-diol may have rewarding effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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Nagypál A, Wood RI. Region-specific mechanisms for testosterone-induced Fos in hamster brain. Brain Res 2007; 1141:197-204. [PMID: 17276422 PMCID: PMC1857344 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 01/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hamsters self-administer androgens. Previously, we determined that testosterone (T) activates select steroid- and opiate-sensitive brain regions. Is T-stimulated neuronal activation androgenic? Thirty-five castrated males with physiologic T replacement (n=7/group) were pre-treated with the androgen antagonist flutamide (15 mg/kg sc) or ethanol (0.25 ml) and infused into the lateral ventricle (ICV) for 4 h with 40 microg T (TF and TE, respectively) or 40 microl vehicle (VF and VE). To determine if androgens and opiates activate overlapping brain areas, 7 additional males received 20 mug morphine sulfate ICV following ethanol injection (ME). Immediately after ICV infusion, animals were perfused. Sixty-micrometer coronal brain slices were stained for Fos. Fos-positive neurons were counted in a 0.3-mm(2) area from 5 regions previously shown to express T-induced Fos: the posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTPM), posteromedial amygdala (MeP), lateral habenula (LHb), ventral tegmental area, and lateral pontine nucleus. T induced Fos in all areas reported previously (TE vs. VE, p<0.05), except LHb (p>0.05). Morphine induced Fos in all 5 brain regions (ME vs. VE, p<0.05), indicating that androgens and opiates activate overlapping brain regions. Flutamide alone did not induce Fos (VF vs. VE, p>0.05). Moreover, flutamide treatment blocked T-induced Fos expression only in the steroid-sensitive BSTPM, suggesting that androgens mediate neuronal activation in this area (mean+/-SEM: TF: 68.4+/-13.2 vs. TE: 137.9+/-17.6, p<0.05). The absence of flutamide effects on T-induced Fos in the steroid-sensitive MeP (TE: 210.6+/-50.0 vs. TF: 215.3+/-28.2, p>0.05) suggests that distinct mechanisms activate Fos in individual androgen-responsive nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth I. Wood
- Address all reprint requests and correspondence to Ruth I. Wood, Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo St., BMT 401, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Telephone (323) 442-1980, Fax: (323) 442-3466, e-mail:
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DiMeo AN, Wood RI. Self-administration of estrogen and dihydrotestosterone in male hamsters. Horm Behav 2006; 49:519-26. [PMID: 16388806 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2005.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2005] [Revised: 11/03/2005] [Accepted: 11/16/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are drugs of abuse. Previous studies have shown that male and female hamsters self-administer testosterone (T) and other AAS, suggesting that androgens are reinforcing in a context where athletic performance is irrelevant. AAS are synthetic derivatives of T, which may be aromatizable to estrogen and/or reducible to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, we do not know which metabolites of T are reinforcing. To determine if DHT, estradiol (E(2)), or DHT + E(2) are reinforcing, we tested intracerebroventricular (icv) self-administration in male hamsters. The hypothesis was that androgen reinforcement is sensitive to both androgenic and estrogenic T metabolites. If so, hamsters would self-administer DHT, E(2), and DHT + E(2). Twenty four castrated male hamsters (n = 8/group) received icv cannulas and sc T implants for physiologic androgen replacement. One week later, hamsters self-administered DHT (0.1, 1.0, 2.0 microg/microl), E(2) (0.001, 0.01, 0.02 microg/microl), or DHT + E(2), each for 8 days in increasing concentration (4 h/day). Operant chambers were equipped with an active and inactive nose-poke. At the medium concentration, hamsters self-administered DHT (active nose-poke: 47.9 +/- 13.9 responses/4 h vs. inactive: 18.7 +/- 4.8), E(2) (active: 44.8 +/- 14.9 vs. inactive: 16.6 +/- 2.6), and DHT + E(2) (active: 19.1 +/- 2.4 vs. inactive: 10.4 +/- 2.4, P < 0.05). At the highest concentration, males self-administered DHT (active: 28.3 +/- 7.7 vs. inactive: 15.0 +/- 3.5, P < 0.05) and DHT + E(2) (active: 22.6 +/- 3.8 vs. inactive: 11.6 +/- 2.5, P < 0.05), but not E(2). Hamsters did not self-administer the lowest concentrations of DHT, E(2), or DHT + E(2). These results support our hypothesis that both androgenic and estrogenic T metabolites are reinforcing. Together, they do not exert synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita N DiMeo
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo St., BMT 401, 90033, USA
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Peters KD, Wood RI. Androgen dependence in hamsters: overdose, tolerance, and potential opioidergic mechanisms. Neuroscience 2005; 130:971-81. [PMID: 15652994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic steroids are drugs of abuse. However, the potential for steroid reward and addiction remains largely unexplored. This study used i.c.v. testosterone self-administration and controlled infusions of testosterone or vehicle in hamsters to explore central mechanisms of androgen overdose. Forty-two hamsters used nose-pokes to self-administer 1 microg/microl testosterone i.c.v. 4 h/day in an operant chamber. During 1-56 days of androgen self-administration, 10 (24%) hamsters died. Deaths correlated with peak daily intake of testosterone. Of the hamsters that self-administered a peak intake of <20 microg/day, there was 100% survival (10/10). Survival decreased to 86% (19/22) when daily testosterone intake peaked at 20-60 microg/day. Only 30% (three of 10) survived when daily testosterone intake exceeded 60 microg/day. Deaths are not due to volume or vehicle because i.c.v. infusions of 80 mul vehicle had no effect. Testosterone overdose resembles opiate intoxication. When male hamsters received infusions of 40 microg testosterone, locomotion (25.1+/-18.8 grid-crossings/10 min), respiration (72.7+/-5.4 breaths/min) and body temperature (33.5+/-0.4 degrees C) were significantly reduced, compared with males receiving vehicle infusions (186.1+/-8.1 crossings/10 min, 117.6+/-1.0 breaths/min, 35.9+/-0.1 degrees C, P<0.05). However, males developed tolerance to continued daily testosterone infusion. After 15 days, locomotion (170.2+/-6.3 crossings), respiration (118.4+/-1.3 breaths/min), and body temperature (35.3+/-0.3 degrees C) in testosterone-infused males were equivalent to that in vehicle controls (P>0.05). The depressive effects of testosterone infusion are blocked by the opioid antagonist, naltrexone. With naltrexone pre-treatment (10 mg/kg s.c.), locomotion (183.7+/-1.8 crossings/10 min), respiration (116.9+/-0.3 breaths/min), and body temperature (36.1+/-0.4 degrees C) during testosterone infusion were equivalent to vehicle controls. Likewise, naltrexone prevents the reinforcing effects of i.c.v. testosterone self-administration. These results indicate that testosterone at high doses causes central autonomic depression, which may be a factor in deaths during self-administration. As well, the depressive effects of large quantities of testosterone may be mediated, at least in part, by an opioidergic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Peters
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo Street, BMT 401, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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18
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DiMeo AN, Wood RI. Circulating androgens enhance sensitivity to testosterone self-administration in male hamsters. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2005; 79:383-9. [PMID: 15501316 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2004] [Revised: 08/19/2004] [Accepted: 08/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Young adult men are more likely to abuse steroids than individuals with low testosterone, including women, boys and older men. This suggests that circulating testosterone may enhance sensitivity to exogenous androgens. This hypothesis was tested using intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) testosterone self-administration in orchidectomized males without testosterone (Orchx, n=8) and in orchidectomized males with chronic physiologic testosterone replacement (Orchx+T, n=8). Beginning 1 week after surgery, hamsters self-administered testosterone for 4 h/day in operant chambers at three doses (0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 microg/microl), each for 8 days. Afterwards, testosterone was replaced with vehicle for 8 days to test extinction. At 1.0 and 2.0 microg/microl, Orchx+T and Orchx males self-administered similar amounts of testosterone. However, at 0.1 microg/microl testosterone, only Orchx+T males showed a significant preference for the active nose-poke (Orchx+T active: 35.1+/-8.4 responses/4 h [mean+/-S.E.M.] vs. inactive: 16.5+/-1.7 responses/4 h, p<0.05; Orchx active: 16.7+/-4.9 responses/4 h vs. inactive: 13.5+/-3.1 responses/4 h, p>0.05). There was little change in operant behavior during extinction in Orchx+T males. However, when vehicle replaced testosterone, Orchx males extinguished their preference for the active nose-poke hole by day 6. These results support our hypothesis that circulating androgens enhance sensitivity to testosterone self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita N DiMeo
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo Street, BMT 401, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Ballard CL, Wood RI. Intracerebroventricular Self-Administration of Commonly Abused Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids in Male Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus): Nandrolone, Drostanolone, Oxymetholone, and Stanozolol. Behav Neurosci 2005; 119:752-8. [PMID: 15998196 DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.119.3.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies by the authors have shown voluntary intracerebroventricular (icv) testosterone self-administration in hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Here, the authors compared icv self-administration of 4 anabolic steroids (drostanolone, nandrolone, oxymetholone, and stanozolol) at 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 microg/microl, each for 8 days. Males (n=8/group) showed the highest levels of operant behavior for injectable steroids (drostanolone, nandrolone) compared with orally active androgens (oxymetholone, stanozolol). For nandrolone, responses on the active and inactive nose-pokes averaged 22.3 +/- 4.6/4 hr and 10.7 +/- 2.0/4 hr, respectively. Responding for drostanolone was similar. Males self-administering oxymetholone or stanozolol did not prefer the active nose-poke. These data demonstrate that injectable androgens are more reinforcing than oral steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cortney L Ballard
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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