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Sharp JL, Pearson T, Smith MA. Sex differences in opioid receptor mediated effects: Role of androgens. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104522. [PMID: 34995646 PMCID: PMC8872632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An abundance of data indicates there are sex differences in endogenous opioid peptides and opioid receptors, leading to functional differences in sensitivity to opioid receptor mediated behaviors between males and females. Many of these sex differences are mediated by the effects of gonadal hormones on the endogenous opioid system. Whereas much research has examined the role of ovarian hormones on opioid receptor mediated endpoints, comparatively less research has examined the role of androgens. This review describes what is currently known regarding the influence of androgens on opioid receptor mediated endpoints and how androgens may contribute to sex differences in these effects. The review also addresses the clinical implications of androgenic modulation of opioid receptor mediated behaviors and suggests future lines of research for preclinical and clinical investigators. We conclude that further investigation into androgenic modulation of opioid receptor mediated effects may lead to new options for addressing conditions such as chronic pain and substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Sharp
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, United States
| | - Tallia Pearson
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, United States
| | - Mark A Smith
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, United States.
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Wallin-Miller K, Li G, Kelishani D, Wood RI. Anabolic-androgenic steroids decrease dendritic spine density in the nucleus accumbens of male rats. Neuroscience 2016; 330:72-8. [PMID: 27238893 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) modify cognitive processes such as decision making and behavioral flexibility. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these AAS-induced cognitive changes remain poorly understood. The mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system, particularly the nucleus accumbens (Acb), is important for reward, motivated behavior, and higher cognitive processes such as decision making. Therefore, AAS-induced plasticity in the DA system is a potential structural substrate for the observed cognitive alterations. High doses of testosterone (the most commonly-used AAS) increase dendritic spine density in limbic regions including the amygdala and hippocampus. However, effects on Acb are unknown. This was the focus of the present study. Adolescent male Long-Evans rats were treated chronically for 8weeks with high-dose testosterone (7.5mg/kg in water with 13% cyclodextrin) or vehicle sc. Brains were stained by Golgi-Cox to analyze neuronal morphology in medium spiny neurons of the shell region of Acb (AcbSh). Eightweeks of testosterone treatment significantly decreased spine density in AcbSh compared to brains of vehicle-treated rats (F1,14=5.455, p<0.05). Testosterone did not significantly affect total spine number, dendritic length, or arborization measured by Sholl analysis. These results show that AAS alter neuronal morphology in AcbSh by decreasing spine density throughout the dendritic tree, and provides a potential mechanism for AAS to modify cognition and decision-making behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wallin-Miller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Grace Li
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Diana Kelishani
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Ruth I Wood
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Mhillaj E, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Bove M, Schiavone S, Trabace L. Effects of anabolic-androgens on brain reward function. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:295. [PMID: 26379484 PMCID: PMC4549565 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are mainly prescribed to treat several diseases caused by testosterone deficiency. However, athletes try to promote muscle growth by manipulating testosterone levels or assuming androgen anabolic steroids (AAS). These substances were originally synthesized to obtain anabolic effects greater than testosterone. Although AAS are rarely prescribed compared to testosterone, their off-label utilization is very wide. Furthermore, combinations of different steroids and doses generally higher than those used in therapy are common. Symptoms of the chronic use of supra-therapeutic doses of AAS include anxiety, depression, aggression, paranoia, distractibility, confusion, amnesia. Interestingly, some studies have shown that AAS elicited electroencephalographic changes similar to those observed with amphetamine abuse. The frequency of side effects is higher among AAS abusers, with psychiatric complications such as labile mood, lack of impulse control and high violence. On the other hand, AAS addiction studies are complex because data collection is very difficult due to the subjects' reticence and can be biased by many variables, including physical exercise, that alter the reward system. Moreover, it has been reported that AAS may imbalance neurotransmitter systems involved in the reward process, leading to increased sensitivity toward opioid narcotics and central stimulants. The goal of this article is to review the literature on steroid abuse and changes to the reward system in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Maria G Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Bove
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia Foggia, Italy
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Hildebrandt T, Shope S, Varangis E, Klein D, Pfaff DW, Yehuda R. Exercise reinforcement, stress, and β-endorphins: an initial examination of exercise in anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 139:86-92. [PMID: 24690349 PMCID: PMC4039319 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are abused primarily in the context of intense exercise and for the purposes of increasing muscle mass as opposed to drug-induced euphoria. AASs also modulate the HPA axis and may increase the reinforcing value of exercise through changes to stress hormone and endorphin release. To test this hypothesis, 26 adult males drawn from a larger study on AAS use completed a progressive ratio task designed to examine the reinforcing value of exercise relative to financial reinforcer. METHOD Sixteen experienced and current users (8 on-cycle, 8 off-cycle) and 10 controls matched on quantity×frequency of exercise, age, and education abstained from exercise for 24 h prior to testing and provided 24-h cortisol, plasma cortisol, ACTH, β-endorphin samples, and measures of mood, compulsive exercise, and body image. RESULTS Between group differences indicated that on-cycle AAS users had the highest β-endorphin levels, lowest cortisol levels, higher ACTH levels than controls. Conversely, off-cycle AAS users had the highest cortisol and ACTH levels, but the lowest β-endorphin levels. Exercise value was positively correlated with β-endorphin and symptoms of AAS dependence. CONCLUSION The HPA response to AASs may explain why AASs are reinforcing in humans and exercise may play a key role in the development of AAS dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hildebrandt
- Department of Psychiatry, Ichan School of School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sydney Shope
- Department of Psychiatry, Ichan School of School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Eleanna Varangis
- Department of Psychiatry, Ichan School of School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Diane Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York, NY
| | | | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Ichan School of School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York
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Grönbladh A, Johansson J, Kushnir MM, Bergquist J, Hallberg M. The impact of nandrolone decanoate and growth hormone on biosynthesis of steroids in rats. Steroids 2013; 78:1192-9. [PMID: 24012727 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are commonly used in sports communities. Several studies have suggested an association between GH and AAS. We have investigated the impact of GH in rats treated with nandrolone decanoate (ND). Male Wistar rats received ND (15 mg/kg) every third day during three weeks and were subsequently treated with recombinant human GH (1.0I U/kg) for ten consecutive days. Plasma samples were collected and peripheral organs (i.e. heart, liver, testis and thymus) were dissected and weighed. Concentration of thirteen endogenous steroids was measured in the rat plasma samples using high specificity LC-MS/MS methods. Seven steroids were detected and quantified, and concentrations of estrone, testosterone, and androstenedione were significantly different among the groups, while concentrations of pregnenolone, DHEA, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and corticosterone were not altered. Administration of rhGH alone altered the plasma steroid distribution, and the results demonstrated significantly increased concentrations of plasma estrone as well as decreased concentrations of testosterone and androstenedione in the ND-treated rats. Administration of rhGH to ND-pretreated rats did not reverse the alteration of the steroid distribution induced by ND. Administration of ND decreased the weight of the thymus, and addition of rhGH did not reverse this reduction. However, rhGH administration induced an enlargement of thymus. Taken together, the plasma steroid profile differed in the four groups, i.e. control, AAS, rhGH and the combination of AAS and rhGH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfhild Grönbladh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Grönbladh A, Johansson J, Nöstl A, Nyberg F, Hallberg M. GH improves spatial memory and reverses certain anabolic androgenic steroid-induced effects in intact rats. J Endocrinol 2013; 216:31-41. [PMID: 23092877 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
GH has previously been shown to promote cognitive functions in GH-deficient rodents. In this study we report the effects of GH on learning and memory in intact rats pretreated with the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone. Male Wistar rats received nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg) or peanut oil every third day for 3 weeks and were subsequently treated with recombinant human GH (1.0 IU/kg) or saline for 10 consecutive days. During the GH/saline treatment spatial learning and memory were tested in the Morris water maze (MWM). Also, plasma levels of IGF1 were assessed and the gene expression of the GH receptors (Ghr), Igf1 and Igf2, in hippocampus and frontal cortex was analyzed. The results demonstrated a significant positive effect of GH on memory functions and increased gene expression of Igf1 in the hippocampus was found in the animals treated with GH. In addition, GH was demonstrated to increase the body weight gain and was able to attenuate the reduced body weight seen in nandrolone-treated animals. In general, the rats treated with nandrolone alone did not exhibit any pronounced alteration in memory compared with controls in the MWM, and in many cases GH did not induce any alteration. Regarding target zone crossings, considered to be associated with spatial memory, the difference between GH- and steroid-treated animals was significant and administration of GH improved this parameter in the latter group. In conclusion, GH improves spatial memory in intact rats and can reverse certain effects induced by anabolic androgenic steroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfhild Grönbladh
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, PO Box 591, S-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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Nyberg F, Hallberg M. Interactions between opioids and anabolic androgenic steroids: implications for the development of addictive behavior. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2012; 102:189-206. [PMID: 22748831 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386986-9.00008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, research on doping agents, such as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), has revealed that these compounds are often used in combination with other drugs of abuse. It seems that misuse of AAS probably involves more than a desire to enhance appearance or sports performance and studies have revealed that steroids are commonly connected with alcohol, opioids, tobacco, and psychotropic drugs. We have observed that AAS may interact with the endogenous opioids, excitatory amino acids, and dopaminergic pathways involved in the brain reward system. Furthermore, our studies provide evidence that AAS may induce an imbalance in these signal systems leading to an increased sensitivity toward opioid narcotics and central stimulants. In fact, studies performed in various clinics have shown that individuals taking AAS are likely to get addicted to opioids like heroin. This chapter reviews current knowledge on interactions between AAS and endogenous as well as exogenous opioids based not only on research in our laboratory but also on research carried out by several other clinical and preclinical investigators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Nyberg
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, Uppsala, Sweden
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Elfverson M, Johansson T, Zhou Q, Le Grevès P, Nyberg F. Chronic administration of the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone alters neurosteroid action at the sigma-1 receptor but not at the sigma-2 or NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:1172-81. [PMID: 21251916 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies have shown that anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) can induce profound changes to mental health. Commonly reported psychiatric side effects among AAS users include aggression, anxiety, depression, drug abuse and cognitive disabilities. In experimental animals, many of these effects have been associated with alterations in a number of neurotransmitter systems. We have observed that chronic administration of the AAS nandrolone (nandrolone decanoate) can affect excitatory amino acids as well as monoaminergic and peptidergic pathways in a way that is compatible with nandrolone-induced behavioural changes. The aim of the present work was to further explore the mechanisms underlying nandrolone-induced effects, with a particular focus on components known to be involved in aggression and cognitive function. Male rats were given daily injections of nandrolone decanoate for 14 days and the effects on neurosteroid interactions with sites on the N-methyl-D-aspartyl (NMDA) and sigma receptors were examined. These receptors were chosen because of their involvement in aggressive and cognitive behaviors and the hypothesis that nandrolone might affect the brain via interaction with neurosteroids. Radiolabelled [³H]ifenprodil was used in the binding studies because of its significant affinity for the NMDA and sigma receptors. The results indicated that [³H]ifenprodil binds to both sigma-1 and sigma-2 sites and can be displaced to a certain extent from both sites by the neurosteroids pregnenolone sulphate (PS), pregnanolone sulphate (3α5βS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). The remainder of the [³H]ifenprodil was displaced from the sigma-1 site by the sigma-1 receptor-selective ligand (+)-SKF 10,047. Chronic nandrolone treatment changed the sigma-1 receptor target for the neurosteroids but not for ifenprodil. The sigma-2 receptor site was unaltered by treatment with nandrolone decanoate. The results also indicated that the neurosteroid-induced allosteric modulation of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B was not affected by nandrolone treatment. We conclude that chronic treatment with nandrolone changes the affinity of the neurosteroids PS, 3α5βS and DHEAS at the sigma-1 site but not at the sites on the sigma-2 receptor or the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Elfverson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, S-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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Anabolic-androgenic steroid effects on nociception and morphine antinociception in male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 99:500-8. [PMID: 21586302 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute and chronic administration of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on nociception and morphine antinociception in acute pain models, as well as on chronic inflammatory nociception. In Experiment 1, adult, gonadally intact male rats were injected s.c. for 28 days with either 5 mg/kg testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), stanozolol (STAN), or safflower oil vehicle (N=12-25/group). On day 28, rats in each group were tested on acute thermal and mechanical nociceptive assays, before and after morphine treatment. In Experiment 2, rats in each group (N=8-10/group) were injected with mineral oil or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into one hindpaw after 28 days of AAS treatment, and then tested for thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia, inflammation and locomotor suppression intermittently for 28 days. Experiment 3 replicated nociceptive measurements in Experiments 1 and 2, but with a single AAS or vehicle injection occurring 3h prior to testing (N=10-12/group). While chronic AAS administration tended to decrease body weight gain and alter reproductive organ weights in the expected manner, it did not significantly alter acute nociception nor attenuate the development of various chronic pain indices after CFA administration. Morphine antinociceptive potency was significantly decreased by chronic DHT on the hot plate test only. Acute AAS administration also did not significantly alter acute or chronic nociception, or morphine antinociceptive potency. Comparisons between acute and chronic AAS administration suggest that steroid tolerance did not occur in rats treated with AAS chronically. Taken together, these data do not support the hypothesis that AAS exposure alters nociception or morphine antinociception in gonadally intact males.
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Abstract
The past half-century has seen an enormous development in the area of biomedical science. This includes also research related to neuroactive peptides. These compounds have been the subject for extensive studies in many cases resulting in knowledge opening for new therapeutic strategies for the management of various neurological disorders. In this research the radioimmunoassay has represented an invaluable tool. This method, first introduced for the assessment of serum and plasma levels of various hormones, meant a transition from bioassay to a more sensitive and precise technique for protein and peptide quantification in samples of clinical relevance. It accounts for an approach which became one of the most widely used methods in routine and research at many clinical and basic laboratories. This relatively simple technique also became a worthwhile instrument in most studies exploring the field of neuropeptides. In this chapter, various approaches to probe neuroactive peptides in tissues and biological fluids are reviewed. It is by no means exhaustive and does cover all aspects of radioimmunoassay, but it serves to give the readers an idea about some essential principles of the practical use of this technique for probing peptides in the above-mentioned compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Nyberg
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Nandrolone decanoate administration elevates hippocampal prodynorphin mRNA expression and impairs Morris water maze performance in male rats. Neurosci Lett 2009; 467:189-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 09/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Quaglio G, Fornasiero A, Mezzelani P, Moreschini S, Lugoboni F, Lechi A. Anabolic steroids: dependence and complications of chronic use. Intern Emerg Med 2009; 4:289-96. [PMID: 19468827 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-009-0260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Accepted: 04/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Anabolic steroids are widely used for doping, in professional and domestic sports. The mechanism of action is not completely understood. It may differ somewhat depending on the specific molecule due to structural differences that influence the specificity of binding with steroid receptors. When used by athletes in training, they can improve performance to levels that cannot be attained by almost any combination of sophisticated nonchemical support by modern sport science. The severity of the undesired effects of anabolic steroids depends on a variety of factors, from the type and combination of them, the dose and duration of administration, as well as the gender of the person taking the drug. Younger individuals and women show greater effects caused by anabolic steroids in terms of performance, but are also at greater risk of side effects. This paper presents a review of the literature concerning the major adverse effects of anabolic steroids, focusing the attention on possible situations of addiction from this category of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Quaglio
- Section of Internal Medicine and Addictive Disorders, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Verona, Ospedale Policlinico, Piazza L. A. Scuro, 37134 Verona, Italy
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Kanayama G, Hudson JI, Pope HG. Features of men with anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence: A comparison with nondependent AAS users and with AAS nonusers. Drug Alcohol Depend 2009; 102:130-7. [PMID: 19339124 PMCID: PMC2694450 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2009] [Accepted: 02/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) dependence has been a recognized syndrome for some 20 years, but remains poorly understood. METHODS We evaluated three groups of experienced male weightlifters: (1) men reporting no history of AAS use (N=72); (2) nondependent AAS users reporting no history of AAS dependence (N=42); and (3) men meeting adapted DSM-IV criteria for current or past AAS dependence (N=20). We assessed demographic indices, lifetime history of psychiatric disorders by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, variables related to AAS use, and results from drug tests of urine and hair. RESULTS Nondependent AAS users showed no significant differences from AAS nonusers on any variable assessed. Dependent AAS users, however, differed substantially from both other groups on many measures. Notably, they reported a more frequent history of conduct disorder than nondependent AAS users (odds ratio [95% CI]: 8.0 [1.7, 38.0]) or AAS nonusers (13.1 [2.8, 60.4]) and a much higher lifetime prevalence of opioid abuse and dependence than either comparison group (odds ratios 6.3 [1.2, 34.5] and 18.6 [3.0, 116.8], respectively). CONCLUSIONS Men with AAS dependence, unlike nondependent AAS users or AAS nonusers, showed a distinctive pattern of comorbid psychopathology, overlapping with that of individuals with other forms of substance dependence. AAS dependence showed a particularly strong association with opioid dependence - an observation that recalls recent animal data suggesting similarities in AAS and opioid brain reward mechanisms. Individuals with AAS dependence and individuals with "classical" substance dependence may possibly harbor similar underlying biological and neuropsychological vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Harrison G. Pope
- Corresponding author. Telephone +1-617-855-2911; Fax +1-617-855-3585; e-mail address:
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Abstract
This review explores the condition of muscle dysmorphia (MD) and its relationship with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Particular emphasis is placed upon whether anabolic steroids are a predisposing, precipitating or perpetuating factor of MD. Furthermore, psychiatric complications of AAS abuse are examined. The current evidence from the literature suggests that AAS (ab)use is possibly a perpetuating factor in the evolution of MD. Psychiatric complications of AAS include mood and behavior changes, perceptual abnormalities, and withdrawal symptoms. In addition, there appears to be a credible dependence theory to AAS in fruition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebur Rohman
- Department of Mental Health, St. George's University of London, 43 Broadwater Road, Tooting, London SW17 0DU, UK.
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Magnusson K, Birgner C, Bergström L, Nyberg F, Hallberg M. Nandrolone decanoate administration dose-dependently affects the density of kappa opioid peptide receptors in the rat brain determined by autoradiography. Neuropeptides 2009; 43:105-11. [PMID: 19201466 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2008.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Revised: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor ligand [(3)H]CI-977 was used to autoradiographically determine the density of kappa opioid receptors in the male rat brain following chronic treatment with the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone decanoate at two different doses. As compared to controls, significantly lower densities of the kappa opioid receptor were encountered after two weeks of high dose nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg) in the nucleus accumbens shell (16%), lateral hypothalamic area (36%), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (37%), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (49%), central amygdaloid nucleus, capsular part (28%), lateral globus pallidus (35%) and in the stria terminalis (24%). Furthermore, an up-regulation of the receptor level was observed in the caudate putamen (18%) and in the dorsal endopiriform nucleus (23%). These alterations in the kappa opioid receptor expression are possibly attributed to a previously observed pronounced impact of nandrolone decanoate on the dynorphinergic system and could also include involvement of the dopaminergic reward system.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Magnusson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Tamaki T, Uchiyama Y, Okada Y, Tono K, Nitta M, Hoshi A, Akatsuka A. Anabolic-androgenic steroid does not enhance compensatory muscle hypertrophy but significantly diminish muscle damages in the rat surgical ablation model. Histochem Cell Biol 2009; 132:71-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0584-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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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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Abstract
The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) has escalated in teenagers and is associated with increased violence. Adolescent exposure to chronic high levels of AASs is of particular concern because puberty is a hormonally sensitive period during which neural circuitry for adult male patterns of behavior develop. Thus, teenage AAS use may have long-term repercussions on the potential for displaying aggression and violence. Animal models have contributed valuable information on the effects of AAS use. For example, studies in rodents confirmed that exposure to the AASs testosterone and nandrolone, but not stanozolol, does indeed increase aggression. A side effect of AAS use reported in humans is "'roid rage," characterized by indiscriminate and unprovoked aggression. Results of animal studies demonstrated that pubertal rats receiving AASs respond appropriately to social cues as they are more aggressive toward intact males than are castrates. Also, testosterone-treated males recognize appropriate environmental cues as they are most aggressive in their home cage. Thus, adolescent AAS exposure increases aggressive behaviors, but does not induce indiscriminate aggression. To assess whether AAS exposure increases aggression after provocation, rats were tested following a mild tail-pinch. In adolescent males, provocation increased aggression after withdrawal from testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol, an effect which persisted for many weeks. The data suggest that AASs sensitize animals to their surroundings and lower the threshold to respond to provocation with aggression. Thus, in humans, pubertal AAS exposure may not cause violent behaviors, but may increase the likelihood that aggressive acts will result in violence. This may persist into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Y McGinnis
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 6900 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas 78249, USA.
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Triemstra JL, Sato SM, Wood RI. Testosterone and nucleus accumbens dopamine in the male Syrian hamster. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2008; 33:386-94. [PMID: 18249072 PMCID: PMC2275113 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2007] [Revised: 12/14/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Most drugs of abuse increase dopamine (DA) in nucleus accumbens (Acb). However, the effects of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on Acb DA have not been examined. We determined the effects of subcutaneous (sc) testosterone (T) on Acb DA in male hamsters. The effects of sc amphetamine were also examined for comparison. In addition, Acb DA was evaluated during intracerebroventricular (ICV) T infusion, designed to mimic T intake during ICV T self-administration in drug-naïve and drug-preexposed animals. Acb DA was measured using in vivo microdialysis and HPLC-EC. T (7.5 or 37.5 mg/kg), amphetamine (1 or 5 mg/kg), or vehicle was injected sc and Acb DA monitored for 4h. In the ICV experiment, T (1 or 2 microg/infusion) or vehicle was infused ICV every 6 min for 4h and Acb DA monitored. ICV T preexposure was accomplished by repeating the same ICV T infusion (1 microg/infusion) daily for 14 days, and T infusion was accompanied by microdialysis on 15th day. Neither sc nor ICV T administration increased Acb DA. At high dose (2 microg/infusion), ICV T decreased Acb DA. Likewise, daily ICV infusion of T for 15 days did not alter Acb DA. In contrast, sc amphetamine significantly increased Acb DA at both doses. Therefore, unlike many drugs of abuse, AAS does not increase Acb DA levels. The reduction in DA at high T doses is likely due to autonomic depressant effects of AAS. We suggest that AAS act via mechanism distinct from those of stimulants, but may share neural substrates with other drugs of abuse.
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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, 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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Takahashi K, Hallberg M, Magnusson K, Nyberg F, Watanabe Y, Långström B, Bergström M. Increase in [11C]vorozole binding to aromatase in the hypothalamus in rats treated with anabolic androgenic steroids. Neuroreport 2007; 18:171-4. [PMID: 17301684 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0b013e328010ff14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the alteration of aromatase expression in the brain by anabolic androgenic steroid treatment in male rats. The rats were given nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, and the brains were used for autoradiography with [C]vorozole, which has been developed as a positron emission tomography tracer for aromatase by our group. The results indicated a significant increase of [C]vorozole binding by anabolic androgenic steroids in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area. In contrast, no significant change of [C]vorozole binding was observed in the medial amygdala. Our results suggest that aromatase is significantly upregulated in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area by anabolic androgenic steroids and also suggest that androgens regulate aromatase differently in these structures compared with the medial amygdala.
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Magnusson K, Hallberg M, Bergquist J, Nyberg F. Enzymatic conversion of dynorphin A in the rat brain is affected by administration of nandrolone decanoate. Peptides 2007; 28:851-8. [PMID: 17240479 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2006] [Revised: 12/10/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) seems to produce profound effects on the central nervous system, leading to aggressive behavior and increased sensitivity to other drugs of abuse. The present study addresses the effect on the enzymatic transformation, here called dynorphin converting enzyme-like activity. The formation of the mu/delta opioid peptide receptor-preferring Leu-enkephalin-Arg(6) from the kappa opioid peptide receptor-preferring dynorphin A was measured in rats treated with nandrolone decanoate. Significant variations in enzymatic transformation were observed in several brain regions. An altered receptor activation profile in these regions may be one contributory factor behind AAS-induced personality changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Magnusson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 591, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Birgner C, Kindlundh-Högberg AMS, Nyberg F, Bergström L. Altered extracellular levels of DOPAC and HVA in the rat nucleus accumbens shell in response to sub-chronic nandrolone administration and a subsequent amphetamine challenge. Neurosci Lett 2006; 412:168-72. [PMID: 17123707 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Revised: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 11/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Associated with acts of violence and polydrug use, abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is an increasing problem in society. The aim of the present study was to elucidate whether sub-chronic treatment with the AAS nandrolone decanoate affects dopamine release and dopamine metabolism in the rat nucleus accumbens shell, before and after an amphetamine challenge. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received daily i.m. injections of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg) or vehicle for 14 days. On day 15, the animals were anaesthetized and a microdialysis probe was implanted into the nucleus accumbens shell. Extracellular fluid was collected 1h before and 3h after a single amphetamine injection (5 mg/kg). The samples were then analyzed regarding the content of dopamine, and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), using HPLC with electrochemical detection. Two weeks of nandrolone decanoate administration caused a significant decrease of the basal DOPAC and HVA levels, which remained low during the first hour following the amphetamine challenge. Dopamine levels did not differ significantly between groups, neither after the nandrolone pre-treatment nor the amphetamine challenge. In conclusion, these novel findings indicate that AAS alter the metabolism of dopamine in a brain region involved in the development of drug dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Birgner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Box 591 Biomedical Centre, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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23
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Anabolic Steroid Abuse. J Addict Dis 2006. [DOI: 10.1300/j069v25s01_04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Roman E, Ploj K, Gustafsson L, Meyerson BJ, Nylander I. Variations in opioid peptide levels during the estrous cycle in Sprague-Dawley rats. Neuropeptides 2006; 40:195-206. [PMID: 16540166 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2006.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2005] [Revised: 01/26/2006] [Accepted: 01/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The estrous cycle, with its various hormonal conditions, may provide us with the means of understanding how endocrine states relate to opioid mechanisms. There has been increasing experimental support for interaction between sex steroids and opioid peptides in the central nervous system. Here, we describe fluctuations in endogenous brain immunoreactive (ir) peptide levels during various phases of the estrous cycle in the female Sprague-Dawley rat. Ir levels of dynorphin A, dynorphin B, Leu-enkephalin-Arg(6), Met-enkephalin-Arg(6)Phe(7) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ were measured in the pituitary gland and in 10 areas of the brain during the diestrus, proestrus and estrus phase. In several areas of the brain, basal levels of endogenous opioid peptides showed variation during the course of the estrous cycle. Significant differences were found between the diestrus state and the proestrus and/or estrus conditions, particularly in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen and the substantia nigra. The ir levels of the endogenous peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ became altered in only one of the areas measured, indicating less variance during the estrous cycle. Correlation analyses revealed that significant associations between dynorphin A or dynorphin B and Leu-enkephalin-Arg(6) were found more often during estrus than during the diestrus and proestrus conditions. The ratio between the ir levels of Leu-enkephalin-Arg(6), a cleavage product of the enzymatic conversion of dynorphin peptides into shorter peptides in vivo, and dynorphin peptides was calculated. The significantly lower ratio between Leu-enkephalin-Arg(6) and dynorphin B in diestrus than in proestrus and estrus also indicates cyclic fluctuations in the enzymatic cleavage of dynorphin. These findings are discussed in relation to the possible role of interactions between sex steroids and opioid peptide mechanisms during the normal estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Roman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Pharmacology, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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25
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Wesson DW, McGinnis MY. Stacking anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) during puberty in rats: A neuroendocrine and behavioral assessment. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2006; 83:410-9. [PMID: 16603236 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2005] [Revised: 03/01/2006] [Accepted: 03/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is increasing in teenagers. We examined the effects of stacked AAS in adolescent male rats. Stacking, in which multiple AAS are taken simultaneously, is commonly employed by humans. Beginning at puberty gonadally intact male rats received testosterone, nandrolone, or stanozolol. Additional groups received stacked AAS: testosterone + stanozolol, nandrolone + stanozolol, or nandrolone + testosterone. Injections continued during tests for sexual behavior, vocalizations, scent marking, partner preference, aggression and fertility. Body and reproductive tissue weights were taken. Sexual and aggressive behaviors were increased by testosterone yet inhibited by stanozolol; nandrolone had no effect. Stacking testosterone with stanozolol prevented the inhibitory effects of stanozolol. Body weight was decreased by testosterone and all stacked AAS. Cell nuclear androgen receptor binding in brain was significantly increased in nandrolone males and decreased in stanozolol males; testosterone males were slightly higher than controls. Androgen receptors in stacked groups were intermediate between individual AAS suggesting that stanozolol competed with other AAS for androgen receptors despite its low affinity. The results indicate that stacking AAS influences the effects of individual AAS on behavioral and endocrine measures, and levels of androgen receptor occupation are not directly correlated with AAS effects on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Wesson
- The University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Biology, 6900 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Célérier E, Ahdepil T, Wikander H, Berrendero F, Nyberg F, Maldonado R. Influence of the anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone on cannabinoid dependence. Neuropharmacology 2006; 50:788-806. [PMID: 16443242 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2005.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2005] [Revised: 11/29/2005] [Accepted: 11/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The identification of the possible factors that might enhance the risk of developing drug addiction and related motivational disorders is crucial to reduce the prevalence of these problems. Here, we examined in mice whether the exposure to the anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone would affect the pharmacological and motivational effects induced by Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa. Mice received nandrolone using pre-exposure (during 14days before THC treatment) or co-administration (1h before each THC injection) procedures. Both nandrolone treatments did not modify the acute antinociceptive, hypothermic and hypolocomotor effects of THC or the development of tolerance after chronic THC administration. Nandrolone pre-exposure blocked THC- and food-induced conditioned place preference and increased the somatic manifestations of THC withdrawal precipitated by the CB1 cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant (SR141617A). The aversive effects of THC were not changed by nandrolone. Furthermore, nandrolone pre-exposure attenuated the anxiolytic-like effects of a low dose of THC without altering the anxiogenic-like effects of a high dose in the lit/dark box, open field and elevated plus-maze. Biochemical experiments showed that chronic nandrolone treatment did not modify CB1 receptor binding and GTP-binding protein activation in the caudate-putamen and cerebellum. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic nandrolone treatment alters behavioural responses related to cannabinoid addictive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Célérier
- Laboratori of Neurofarmacologia, Facultat de Ciéncies de la Salut i de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Magnusson K, Hallberg M, Högberg AMSK, Nyberg F. Administration of the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone decanoate affects substance P endopeptidase-like activity in the rat brain. Peptides 2006; 27:114-21. [PMID: 16099548 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2005] [Revised: 06/17/2005] [Accepted: 06/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the anabolic androgenic steroid, nandrolone decanoate, on substance P endopeptidase-like activity was examined in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg day) or oil vehicle (sterile arachidis oleum) were administered by intramuscular injections during 14 days. Substance P endopeptidase, a predominantly cytosolic enzyme, generates the bioactive N-terminal fragment substance P(1-7) from the enzyme substrate substance P. Nandrolone decanoate significantly reduced the substance P endopeptidase-like activity compared to control animals in hypothalamus (43% reduction), caudate putamen (44%), substantia nigra (32%) and the ventral tegmental area (27%). It was previously reported that both hypothalamus and caudate putamen contained significantly higher levels of substance P after nandrolone administration. The higher concentration of substance P in these regions could to an extent be attributed to the reduction in substance P endopeptidase-like activity. This result elucidates the important role of peptidase activity in the regulation of the substance P transmitter system. The present study provides additional support for the hypothesis that alterations in the substance P system in certain brain areas may contribute to some of the personality changes reported in connection with AAS abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Magnusson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 591, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Schlussman SD, Nyberg F, Kreek MJ. The effects of drug abuse on the stress responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the dopaminergic and endogenous opioid systems. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 2005:121-4. [PMID: 12072142 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.106.s412.26.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Drugs of abuse have a significant impact on the stress responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and an abnormal response to stress may mediate the development or maintenance of addictive diseases. In animals, drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, lead to an activation of the HPA axis. Drugs of abuse also have an impact on the endogenous opioid system (EOS) and the dopaminergic system. Each of these systems has also been implicated in the mediation of aggressive behaviors. This brief report focuses on the effects of drugs of abuse on the stress responsive HPA, EOS and dopaminergic systems, and the role of these systems in mediating aggression and comorbidity of substance abuse and aggressive behaviors. METHOD Rodents were administered either 'binge' pattern cocaine (15 mg/kg x 3 each day) or the androgenic anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate and the effects on mRNA levels, receptor binding and circulating levels of stress hormones were analyzed. RESULTS Both cocaine and nandrolone decanoate significantly impact the HPA axis, the EOS and the dopaminergic systems. CONCLUSION Drugs of abuse impact substantially the same neural systems that affect aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Schlussman
- The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA
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29
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Le Grevès P, Zhou Q, Huang W, Nyberg F. Effect of combined treatment with nandrolone and cocaine on the NMDA receptor gene expression in the rat nucleus accumbens and periaqueductal gray. Acta Psychiatr Scand Suppl 2005:129-32. [PMID: 12072144 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.106.s412.28.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have been suggested to sensitize mechanisms involved in drug dependency and aggressive behaviour. Nucleus accumbens and periaqueductal gray (PAG) are believed to be critical in the functional anatomy of these two phenomena, which are partly mediated by the NMDA receptor. This study was undertaken in order to determine the relationship between the effect of AAS and cocaine (given alone or in combination) on the gene expression of the NMDA receptor subtype NR1 in the rat nucleus accumbens and PAG. METHOD Male rats were subjected to 2 weeks of daily doses of cocaine and the anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone, administrated separately or in combination, and the effect on the mRNA expression for the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit was studied by Northern blot analysis. RESULTS In the nucleus accumbens, injection of cocaine alone and the combination of cocaine and nandrolone caused a significant decrease in the NR1 mRNA level compared with that of control rats. The combined treatment significantly down-regulated the transcript in the PAG compared with the groups injected with vehicle, nandrolone or cocaine alone. CONCLUSION It was concluded that AAS combined with cocaine may induce additive increases in glutamatergic activity in these brain areas, supporting the notion that these steroids can sensitize mechanisms involved in the reward and the expression of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Le Grevès
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Steensland P, Blakely G, Nyberg F, Fahlke C, Pohorecky LA. Anabolic androgenic steroid affects social aggression and fear-related behaviors in male pair-housed rats. Horm Behav 2005; 48:216-24. [PMID: 15878576 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2005.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2004] [Revised: 12/09/2004] [Accepted: 02/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the effect of chronic administration of the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone decanoate (ND) on dominant and subordinate male rats in a pair-housed condition. Pair-housed rats were assessed for dominance status based on their behavior and alterations in body weights. Throughout the study the rats were allowed limited social interactions on a daily basis. At all other times, a Plexiglas divider kept the rats separated, allowing olfactory and visual contact between the cage mates while preventing significant physical contact. One week into the study all subjects were subcutaneously implanted with a pellet that continuously infused either ND (15 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 21 days. Following the pellet implant, behavioral tests including reassessment for dominance status, and a conditioned fear test were conducted over a period of approximately 2 months to investigate possible long-term changes. The main finding is that during the allowed social interactions, the dominant ND-pretreated rats spent more time on highly aggressive behaviors than the dominant placebo-treated rats. In addition, the probability for highly aggressive behaviors was maintained for the ND-treated rats throughout the study, whereas it was decreased for the placebo-treated rats. The ND-treated subordinate rats showed less fear in a potential threatening situation compared to placebo-treated controls. These findings support the relatively long-term behavioral changes that have been seen in humans after abuse of ND and other anabolic androgenic steroid compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Steensland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, PO Box 591, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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Hallberg M, Kindlundh AMS, Nyberg F. The impact of chronic nandrolone decanoate administration on the NK1 receptor density in rat brain as determined by autoradiography. Peptides 2005; 26:1228-34. [PMID: 15949641 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Revised: 01/31/2005] [Accepted: 02/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with the anabolic androgenic steroid nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg day) or oil vehicle (sterile arachidis oleum) during 14 days. The effect on the densities of the neurokinin NK1 receptor in brain was examined with autoradiography. An overall tendency of attenuation of NK1 receptor density was observed after completed treatment with nandrolone decanoate. The density of the NK1 receptor was found to be significantly lower compared to control animals in the nucleus accumbens core (37% density reduction), in dentate gyrus (26%), in basolateral amygdaloid nucleus (23%), in ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (36%), in dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (43%) and finally in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) (24%). In the cortex region, no structures exhibited any significant reduction of NK1 receptor density. This result provides additional support to the hypothesis that substance P and the NK1 receptor may be involved as important components that participate in mediating physiological responses including the adverse behaviors often associated with chronically administrated anabolic androgenic steroids in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hallberg
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Center, Box 591, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
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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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Lindqvist AS, Fahlke C. Nandrolone decanoate has long-term effects on dominance in a competitive situation in male rats. Physiol Behav 2005; 84:45-51. [PMID: 15642606 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2004.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2004] [Revised: 09/09/2004] [Accepted: 10/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine possible long-term effects of the anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS), nandrolone decanoate (ND), on dominance in a provoking and competitive situation in sexually matured male rats. The experimental group (n=10) received daily injections of ND [15 mg/kg in a volume of 1 ml/kg subcutaneous (s.c.) injection for 14 days]. During the corresponding period, the controls (n=10) were given daily injections of an oil vehicle (1 ml/kg s.c.). All animals were tested in a competitive situation at four occasions after the end of the treatment period (week 5, 8, 11 and 14). Water-deprived pairs of rats, consisting of one ND-treated rat and one control, had to compete for access to water. The results showed that the ND-treated rats approached the water spout significantly more often compared to the controls. During the competition tests, the ND-treated rats spent more time drinking, an effect that was prominent for 11 weeks after the end of the treatment period. The ND-treated rats also displayed more frequently piloerection than the controls. The results indicate that ND has long-term effect on dominance in a provoking and competitive situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sophie Lindqvist
- Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, P.O. Box 500, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Cornefjord M, Nyberg F, Rosengren L, Brisby H. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in experimental spinal nerve root injury. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2004; 29:1862-8. [PMID: 15534406 DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000137070.16592.b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were evaluated in a setup using established pig models to mimic clinical disc herniation. OBJECTIVES To investigate biomarkers for nerve tissue injury, inflammation, and pain in cerebrospinal fluid after mechanical compression and/or nucleus pulposus application to spinal nerve roots. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The association between mechanical compression, biochemical effects of nucleus pulposus, and nerve root injury in degenerative disc disorders is incompletely investigated. METHODS The unilateral S1 nerve root was exposed in 20 pigs. The animals were divided into four groups (n = 5 each): 1) slow-onset mechanical compression with an ameroid constrictor; 2) autologous nucleus pulposus application; 3) mechanical compression plus nucleus pulposus; and 4) sham operation. After 1 week, 6 mL of cerebrospinal fluid was collected, and four structural nerve proteins, neurofilaments, S-100, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron-specific enolase, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8, the neurotransmitter nociceptin, and substance P endopeptidase activity were analyzed using immunoassays. RESULTS The concentration of neurofilament was increased in the mechanical compression group (17.0 microg/L +/- 5.0) and in the mechanical compression plus nucleus pulposus group (19.8 +/- 12.1 microg/L) compared with the sham group (0.9 +/- 0.9 microg/L) and the nucleus pulposus group (0.4 +/- 0.1 microg/L) (P < 0.01 for both). The concentration of nociceptin was increased significantly in the mechanical compression group (24.0 +/- 8.6 fm/mL) and in the mechanical compression plus nucleus pulposus group (31.2 +/- 6.6 fm/mL) compared with the sham group (7.0 +/- 1.3 fm/mL) (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). A correlation was found between concentrations of neurofilament and nociceptin (r = 0.50, P < 0.05). There were no intergroup differences regarding glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron-specific enolase, S-100, interleukin-8, or substance P endopeptidase activity. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates increased concentrations of neurofilament and nociceptin in cerebrospinal fluid after nerve root compression. A simultaneous application of nucleus pulposus did not increase the response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cornefjord
- Department of Orthopaedics, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kindlundh AMS, Rahman S, Lindblom J, Nyberg F. Increased dopamine transporter density in the male rat brain following chronic nandrolone decanoate administration. Neurosci Lett 2004; 356:131-4. [PMID: 14746881 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2003.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent males currently employ anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to become intoxicated, besides the traditional desires of an improved physical appearance and enhanced sports performance. Several studies indicate that AAS affect the brain reward system. Recently chronic administration with nandrolone decanoate to male rats has been shown to increase the dopamine transporter (DAT) density in the striatum visualised in vivo by positron emission tomography. The present study aimed to investigate if the increased DAT density could be confirmed using in vitro autoradiography following a comparable regimen of nandrolone treatment. Specific binding of 50 pM [125I] RTI-55 in the presence of 1 microM citalopram was used to label DAT. Two weeks of nandrolone decanoate administration at the supra-therapeutic doses 1, 5 and 15 mg/kg per day increased DAT density in the caudate putamen at all three doses. In conclusion, this study confirms that chronic nandrolone administration increases dopamine transporter density in the CPU and therefore supports the theory that AAS affects the dopamine system in the male rat brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M S Kindlundh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Box 591, S-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Clark AS, Henderson LP. Behavioral and physiological responses to anabolic-androgenic steroids. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2003; 27:413-36. [PMID: 14505684 DOI: 10.1016/s0149-7634(03)00064-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone originally designed for therapeutic uses to provide enhanced anabolic potency with negligible androgenic effects. Although AAS continue to be used clinically today, the medical benefits of low therapeutic doses of AAS stand in sharp contrast to the potential health risks associated with the excessive doses self-administered not only by elite athletes and body builders, but by a growing number of recreational users, including adolescent boys and girls. The deleterious effects of AAS on peripheral organs and the incidence of altered behaviors in AAS abusers have been well documented in a number of excellent current reviews for clinical populations. However, a comparable synthesis of nonclinical studies has not been made. Our purpose in this review is to summarize the literature for animal models of the effects of supraphysiological doses of AAS (e.g. those that mimic human abuse regimes) on behaviors and on the neural circuitry for these behaviors. In particular, we have focused on studies in rodents that have examined how AAS alter aggression, sexual behaviors, anxiety, reward, learning, and locomotion and how AAS alter the expression and function of neurotransmitter systems and other signaling molecules that underlie these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann S Clark
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, 6207 Moore Hall, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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Kindlundh AMS, Lindblom J, Bergström L, Nyberg F. The anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone induces alterations in the density of serotonergic 5HT1B and 5HT2 receptors in the male rat brain. Neuroscience 2003; 119:113-20. [PMID: 12763073 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are partly misused by males in order to become brave and intoxicated and these agents are highly associated with psychosis, disinhibition, aggression and acts of violence. Since such behavioral states have been related to an imbalanced serotonergic system and the involvement of the serotonergic 5HT(1B) and the 5HT(2) receptors, it was important to discern the impact of AAS on these receptors. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of 2 weeks of treatment with the AAS nandrolone decanoate at three different doses (1, 5, 15 mg/kg/day) on the total specific binding of the radioligands [(125)I]-(+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) (5HT(2) receptors) by autoradiography. All doses caused a significant down-regulation of the 5HT(1B) receptor density in the hippocampal CA(1) and in the medial globus pallidus and a significant up-regulation of the 5HT(2) receptor density in the nucleus accumbens shell. Alterations in receptor density were also observed in the lateral globus pallidus, ventromedial hypothalamus, the amygdala and in the intermediate layers of various cortex regions. In conclusion, serotonergic 5HT(1B) or 5HT(2) receptors are likely to play important roles in mediating observed emotional states and behavioral changes among AAS abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M S Kindlundh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Box 591, S-751-24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kindlundh AMS, Lindblom J, Nyberg F. Chronic administration with nandrolone decanoate induces alterations in the gene-transcript content of dopamine D(1)- and D(2)-receptors in the rat brain. Brain Res 2003; 979:37-42. [PMID: 12850568 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(03)02843-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Some adolescent and young males are engaged in misuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) in connection with multiple drug use, in order to become intoxicated and brave, apart from currently known motives connected to sports performance and physical appearance. Recent studies suggest that alterations in neurobiological circuits implicated in the regulation of reward-related learning, aggression and motoric behavior underlie the behavioral changes associated with AAS misuse. We have previously shown that AASs induce alterations in dopamine receptor densities. The aim of the present study was to investigate if these effects could be attributed to altered mRNA content for tyrosine hydroxylase, L-amino acid decarboxylase, dopamine D(1)- and dopamine D(2)-receptor as measured by in situ hybridisation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 2 weeks of treatment with daily intramuscular injections of the AAS nandrolone decanoate at three different doses (1, 5 and 15 mg/kg/day). Results of the in situ hybridization showed that the mRNA content of the dopamine D(1)-receptor subtype was significantly reduced at all doses in the caudate putamen and at the highest doses in the nucleus accumbens shell. The mRNA expression of the dopamine D(2)-receptor was significantly increased at the two lowest doses in the caudate putamen and the nucleus accumbens shell. In conclusion, nandrolone has been shown to affect the expression of gene transcripts of dopaminergic receptors possibly implicated in underlying mechanisms of reward-related behavioral changes among AAS misusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M S Kindlundh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, S-751-24, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Célérier E, Yazdi MT, Castañé A, Ghozland S, Nyberg F, Maldonado R. Effects of nandrolone on acute morphine responses, tolerance and dependence in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 465:69-81. [PMID: 12650835 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroid exposure has been proposed to present a risk factor for the misuse of other drugs of abuse. We now examined whether the exposure to the anabolic-androgenic steroid, nandrolone, would affect the acute morphine responses, tolerance and dependence in rodents. For this purpose, mice received nandrolone using pre-exposure (for 14 days before morphine experiments) or co-administration (1 h before each morphine injection) procedures. Nandrolone treatments increased the acute hypothermic effects of morphine without modifying its acute antinociceptive and locomotor effects. Nandrolone also attenuated the development of tolerance to morphine antinociception in the hot plate test, but did not affect tolerance to its hypothermic effects, nor the sensitisation to morphine locomotor responses. After nandrolone pre-exposure, we observed an attenuation of morphine-induced place preference and an increase in the somatic manifestations of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. These results indicate that anabolic-androgenic steroid consumption may induce adaptations in neurobiological systems implicated in the development of morphine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Célérier
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, Facultat de Ciénces de la Salut i de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Tamaki T, Shiraishi T, Takeda H, Matsumiya T, Roy RR, Edgerton VR. Nandrolone decanoate enhances hypothalamic biogenic amines in rats. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003; 35:32-8. [PMID: 12544632 DOI: 10.1097/00005768-200301000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify possible mechanisms for an anabolic-androgenic steroid induced increase in aggressive behavior and work capacity, the levels of some biogenic amines considered to be closely related to a systemic hyper-adrenergic state were measured in selected regions of the brain. METHODS Wistar male rats were divided randomly into five groups: nontreated (control), oil-vehicle-treated (vehicle) or one of three (therapeutic dose and 10- or 100-fold higher dose) anabolic-androgenic steroid-treated (steroid-1, -2, -3) groups. Rats in the steroid and vehicle groups were given a single dose of nandrolone decanoate or oil vehicle, respectively, one week before tissue sampling. The levels of norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolite, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol (MHPG), serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite, 5-hydroxy-indole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus and cerebellum by high-performance liquid chromatography. Immunostaining for c-fos was performed as a confirmation of increased neural activity. RESULTS The levels of NE and MHPG were increased by approximately 2- and approximately 7-fold in the hypothalamus of the steroid-2 compared with the control and vehicle groups. The levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were approximately 40 and approximately 50% higher in the steroid-2 compared with the control and vehicle groups. A significantly higher number of c-fos expressing neurons were observed in the periventricular region of the steroid-2 than the control and vehicle groups, indicating enhanced neuronal activity after nandrolone decanoate treatment. CONCLUSIONS The present results, combined with previously reported findings of physical performance enhancement after anabolic-androgenic steroid treatment, are consistent with the interpretation that elevated levels of adrenergic and serotonergic amines in the hypothalamus could contribute to aggressive behaviors as well as improved physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuro Tamaki
- Department of Physiology, Uinversity of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Kindlundh AMS, Bergström M, Monazzam A, Hallberg M, Blomqvist G, Långström B, Nyberg F. Dopaminergic effects after chronic treatment with nandrolone visualized in rat brain by positron emission tomography. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2002; 26:1303-8. [PMID: 12502017 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-5846(02)00293-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) have recently been shown to induce neurochemical alterations in areas of the male rat CNS related to behavioural changes that have been observed among AAS misusers. In the present study, positron emission tomography (PET) is suggested as a suitable in vivo method in order to visualize the density of the dopamine transporter ([11C]-FE-beta-CIT) as well as the dopamine D1-like ([11C]-(+)-SCH23390) and the D2-like receptors ([11C]-raclopride) in the male rat brain. Chronic treatment with the AAS nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg/day for 14 days) caused an up-regulation of the binding potential of the dopamine transporter in the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M S Kindlundh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Box 591, S-751-24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are mainly used to treat androgen deficiency syndromes and, more recently, catabolic states such as AIDS-associated wasting. There is no evidence in the reviewed literature that AAS abuse or dependence develops from the therapeutic use of AAS. Conversely, 165 instances of AAS dependence have been reported among weightlifters and bodybuilders who, as part of their weight training regimens, chronically administered supraphysiologic doses, often including combinations of injected and oral AAS as well as other drugs of abuse. A new model is proposed in which both the "myoactive" and psychoactive effects of AAS contribute to the development of AAS dependence. The adverse consequences of AAS are reviewed, as well as their assessment by means of a history and physical, mental status examination, and laboratory testing. When patients with AAS use disorders are compared with patients with other substance use disorders, both similarities and differences become apparent and have implications for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk J Brower
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Research Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48108, USA.
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Lindqvist AS, Johansson-Steensland P, Nyberg F, Fahlke C. Anabolic androgenic steroid affects competitive behaviour, behavioural response to ethanol and brain serotonin levels. Behav Brain Res 2002; 133:21-9. [PMID: 12048171 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(01)00408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated whether anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) treatment (daily subcutaneous injections during 2 weeks with nandrolone decanoate; 15 mg/kg) affects competitive behaviour, and locomotor activity response to a sedative dose of ethanol (0.5 g ethanol/kg). In addition, levels of brain monoamines were assessed. The results showed that AAS treated animals exhibited enhanced dominant behaviour in the competition test compared to controls. The AAS groups' locomotor activity was not affected by ethanol in contrast to the controls who showed a sedative locomotor activity. AAS animals had significant lower levels of serotonin in basal forebrain and dorsal striatum compared to controls. These findings further strengthen the fact that AAS affects behaviour, as well as biochemical parameters. Based on previous studies and results from the present study, we hypothesize that AAS abuse may constitute a risk factor for disinhibitory behaviour, partly by affecting the serotonergic system.
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Johansson-Steensland P, Nyberg F, Chahl L. The anabolic androgenic steroid, nandrolone decanoate, increases the density of Fos-like immunoreactive neurons in limbic regions of guinea-pig brain. Eur J Neurosci 2002; 15:539-44. [PMID: 11876781 DOI: 10.1046/j.0953-816x.2001.01877.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The increased abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids is a major concern because of physiological and psychological side-effects. In some individuals they induce dramatic behavioural changes such as increased aggression, anxiety and depression. The mechanisms behind these behavioural changes are still poorly understood. In order to obtain information on the brain regions affected by anabolic androgenic steroids, the distribution of neurons containing c-Fos, the protein product of the immediate early gene c-fos, and Fos-related antigens was studied following chronic treatment of guinea-pigs with a high dose of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg i.m. daily for 14 days). The behaviour of the guinea-pigs was monitored for 1 h each day. Animals treated with nandrolone exhibited a significantly greater incidence of biting behaviour during the 14 day treatment period than vehicle-treated animals. A significantly greater density of c-Fos and Fos-related antigen-positive neurons was found in the central nucleus of the amygdala, and of Fos-related antigen-positive neurons in the frontal cortex, the shell of the nucleus accumbens and the supraoptic nucleus in nandrolone-treated animals than in vehicle controls. Therefore, nandrolone induced Fos in brain regions involved in stress, behavioural responses and reward. The increased Fos expression in these limbic brain regions is of particular interest in relation to the behavioural changes reported in humans who abuse anabolic androgenic steroids and the abuse potential of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Johansson-Steensland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Sweden
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Abstract
This paper is the twenty-third installment of the annual review of research concerning the opiate system. It summarizes papers published during 2000 that studied the behavioral effects of the opiate peptides and antagonists, excluding the purely analgesic effects, although stress-induced analgesia is included. The specific topics covered this year include stress; tolerance and dependence; learning, memory, and reward; eating and drinking; alcohol and other drugs of abuse; sexual activity, pregnancy, and development; mental illness and mood; seizures and other neurological disorders; electrical-related activity; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic function; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Vaccarino
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
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Negus SS, Pope HG, Kanayama G, Wines JD, Fischer BD. Lack of evidence for opioid tolerance or dependence in rhesus monkeys following high-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid administration. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2001; 26:789-96. [PMID: 11585679 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4530(01)00028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged use of high-dose anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) may induce a dependence syndrome, and emerging evidence suggests that AAS effects on endogenous opioid systems may contribute to AAS abuse. The present study tested the hypothesis that high dose AAS treatment enhances endogenous opioid activity in rhesus monkeys as revealed by 1) tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of the mu opioid agonist morphine and 2) physical dependence as indicated by evidence of opioid withdrawal following administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone. Three rhesus monkeys were treated for 14 days with 3.2 mg/kg/day testosterone propionate, and the effects of morphine (0.32-10 mg/kg) and naloxone (0.01-0.32 mg/kg) were examined both before and during treatment. Morphine antinociception was evaluated using a warm-water tail-withdrawal procedure, and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal was evaluated using checked behavioral signs and measures of ventilatory rate. Chronic testosterone administration for 14 days produced a 100-fold increase in mean plasma testosterone levels. However, testosterone treatment did not significantly alter the antinociceptive effects of morphine, and naloxone did not precipitate signs of opioid withdrawal either before or during testosterone treatment. These data do not support the hypothesis that high-dose AAS treatment enhances endogenous opioid activity in rhesus monkeys in a way that produces opioid tolerance or dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Negus
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center: Behavioral Science Laboratory, McLean Hospital-Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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Kindlundh AM, Lindblom J, Bergström L, Wikberg JE, Nyberg F. The anabolic-androgenic steroid nandrolone decanoate affects the density of dopamine receptors in the male rat brain. Eur J Neurosci 2001; 13:291-6. [PMID: 11168533 DOI: 10.1046/j.0953-816x.2000.01402.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In recent years a male group of anabolic-androgenic steroid misusers has been identified to share socio-demographic and personality related background factors with misusers of psychotropic substances, as well as being involved in habits of multiple drug use. The present study aimed to assess whether anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) would affect the density of the dopamine receptors in areas implicated in reward and behaviour in the male rat brain. The effects of 2 weeks of treatment with i.m. injections of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg/day) on the expression of the D(1)-like and D(2)-like receptors were evaluated by autoradiography. Specific binding of D(1)-like receptors was significantly down regulated in the caudate putamen, the nucleus accumbens core and shell. D(2)-like receptor densities were down regulated in the nucleus accumbens shell, but up regulated in the caudate putamen, the nucleus accumbens core and the ventral tegmental area. These results are compatible with nandrolone induced neuroadaptive alterations in dopamine circuits associated with motor functions and behavioural paradigms known to be affected following AAS misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Kindlundh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Box 591 Biomedicum, S-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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48
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Johansson P, Lindqvist A, Nyberg F, Fahlke C. Anabolic androgenic steroids affects alcohol intake, defensive behaviors and brain opioid peptides in the rat. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2000; 67:271-9. [PMID: 11124391 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(00)00365-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated whether a relationship exists between nandrolone decanoate and voluntary ethanol intake in laboratory rats. Animals were subjected to daily subcutaneous injections with nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg) during 2 weeks. One group of animals was tested for voluntary alcohol intake 1 week after the end of the 2-week treatment period and another group received alcohol 3 weeks after the treatment. In addition, assessment of defensive behaviors and immunoreactivity (ir) levels of the brain opioid peptides dynorphin B and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe (MEAP) were performed. The nandrolone decanoate-treated animals were significantly more aggressive and showed lower fleeing and freeezing reaction than the oil-treated controls. Treatment with nandrolone decanoate enhanced voluntary alcohol intake, regardless if it was presented 1 or 3 weeks after end of the treatment period. These animals had a decreased activity of dynorphin B-ir in the nucleus accumbens, decreased levels of MEAP-ir in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and higher levels of MEAP-ir in the hypothalamus compared to controls. In line with previous studies, this suggests that the altered dynorphin B-ir activity may promote the rewarding effects of ethanol and thereby increasing alcohol intake, whereas MEAP-ir may be associated with the ability to control the aggressive reaction. Abuse of nandrolone decanoate may thus constitute a risk factor for increased alcohol consumption and defensive aggression. In human, this constellation of behavioral symptoms is closely related to acts of crimes and violence and is often observed among those abusing anabolic androgenic steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Johansson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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49
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Hallberg M, Johansson P, Kindlundh AM, Nyberg F. Anabolic-androgenic steroids affect the content of substance P and substance P(1-7) in the rat brain. Peptides 2000; 21:845-52. [PMID: 10959007 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-9781(00)00218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The effects of intramuscular (i.m.) injections of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg/day), an anabolic-androgenic steroid, on the levels of substance P (SP) and on its N-terminal fragment SP(1-7) were examined in the male rat brain by radioimmunoassay. The results demonstrated that the SP immunoreactivity in amygdala, hypothalamus, striatum, and periaqueductal gray was significantly enhanced, whereas the concentration of the N-terminal fragment SP(1-7) was enhanced in the nucleus accumbens and in periaqueductal gray. In the striatum the steroid induced a decrease in the content of SP(1-7). The relevance of these peptides in connection with anabolic-androgenic steroid-induced aggression is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hallberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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