Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of gender on optimal CP concentrations (TRIAL 1) and gender and anabolic implants on the somatotropic axis in feedlot cattle (TRIAL 2). More specifically, the objective of TRIAL 1 was to examine the effects of 3 dietary CP concentrations on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) in finishing steers and heifers and the objective of TRIAL 2 was to evaluate the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and implantantation (200 mg of trenbolone acetate and 28 mg of estradiol benzoate; Synovex-Plus) on performance, serum urea nitrogen (SUN), serum IGF-1, and mRNA expression of hepatic IGF-1, GH receptor, and E receptor-α as well as pituitary GH, E receptor-α and GHRH receptor in feedlot heifers. TRIAL 1 results indicated that ADG was optimized when both steers and heifers were fed 12.5% CP and G:F was optimized for steers fed 12.5% CP but heifer G:F was optimal at 14.0% CP. Feeding diets containing 11.0% CP appears to cause a protein deficiency in both steers and heifers. TRIAL 2 data indicated that gender had no influence on performance or SUN in feedlot heifers. Serum IGF-1 is increased more in OVX heifers than intact heifers due to a greater response to implantation from the OVX heifers. However, the reason for the extra increase in serum IGF-1 is not clear, although trends in gene expression analysis suggest the possibility that the increased serum IGF-1 may be controlled outside of the somatotropic axis. Further research is warranted to examine the effects of OVX and anabolic implants on the somatotropic axis.

The present study described the daily moods of male bodybuilders who self-administered large doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AS) through a full cycle of steroid use. Male bodybuilders (N = 13) who had been self-administering AS for 2.5 to 12 years served as subjects and participated in a 14 to 16 week experience sampling procedure wherein brief mood questionnaires were filled out twice daily. / Findings revealed that 11 of the 13 subjects experienced self-reported mood changes in association with AS use. In particular, 2 subjects (subjects 4 & 11) experienced quite dramatic changes in mood. It is concluded that there is much variability with regards to the psychological effects that humans may display in association with AS use. / Data are discussed in terms of the effects that AS use may have on mental health.

A popularização do treinamento resistido associada a busca pelo corpo perfeito traz consigo uma maior procura por recursos anabolizantes por atletas e amadores. A utilização de anabolizantes geralmente ocorre em associação com outras substâncias, o que pode agravar os seus efeitos colaterais. Apesar de haver vários estudos abordando os efeitos colaterais do decanoato de nandrolona, pouco se conhece sobre a sua associação com treinamento resistido e Lepidium meyenii. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do treinamento resistido associado a decanoato de nandrolona e Lepidium meyenni (Maca) sob o peso corporal, parâmetros comportamentais e hepáticos em ratos wistar. Para isso, foi aplicado um modelo experimental com 60 ratos adultos, divididos em cinco grupos: controle sedentário (SC), treinamento resistido (ST), decanoato de nandrolona sedentário (ND), Lepidium meyenii sedentário (LM) e treinamento resistido decanoato de nandrolona e Lepidium meyenii (STNL). O protocolo de treinamento resistido consta de 3 séries com 10 repetições com 80% 1RM e teve duração de 5 semanas, com freqüência de 3 vezes por semana no aparato proposto por Tamaki et al. (1992). O decanoato de nandrolona intramuscular na dose de 18mg/kg/semana e Lepidium meyenii na dose de 450 mg/kg/semana foi administrado por gavagem. Ao término do treinamento, foram realizados os seguintes testes comportamentais: Labirinto em Cruz Elevado (Plus-Maze), Reconhecimento de Objeto e Residente-Intruso. Para avaliação hepática foram realizadas as seguintes análises bioquímicas: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama glutamiltransferase (GGT). Foram observado efeitos positivos da administração de decanoato de nandrolona, Lepidium meyenii e treinamento resistido sob o peso (SC 490,0 g ± 2,9 g; ST 450,0 g ± 1,3 g; ND 410 g ± 1,0 g; LM 430 g ± 1,4 g e STNL 390 g ± 0,7 g). Os testes comportamentais apresentaram alterações em um ou mais grupos para os parâmetros de agressividade, ansiedade e memória. No Labirinto em Cruz Elevado encontrou-se menor número de entradas no braços abertos do grupo ST (SC 2,50 ± 0,62; ST 1,42 ± 0,26; ND 1,58 ± 0,39; LM 1,57 ± 0,33 e STNL 1,58 ± 0,19), menor número de entradas nos braços fechados nos grupos ST e STNL (SC 6,13 ± 0,93; ST 2,75 ± 0,67; ND 3,25 ± 0,52; LM 4,17 ± 0,45 e STNL 2,33 ± 0,33) e menor tempo de permanência no grupo ST (SC 42,88 s ± 13,88 s; ST 17,67 s ± 70 s; ND 28,50 s ± 12,50 s; LM 20,42 s ± 5,8 s e STNL 34,25 s ± 15,24 s). No teste residente intruso observou-se menor número de ataques nos grupos ST e LM (SC 9,13 ± 2,31; ST 6,00 ± 1,38; ND 8,50 ± 1,25; LM 5,75 ± 1,01 e STNL 8,75 ± 1,46). No teste para memória verificou-se menor índice de reconhecimento de objeto nos grupos ND e LM (SC 0,27 ± 0,20; ST 0,01 ± 0,20; ND -0,35 ± 0,16; LM -0,23 ± 0,16 e STNL -0,23 ± 0,21). Apesar de não terem sido encontradas variações significativas nas análises bioquímicas (AST, ALT, FAL e GGT), houve uma diminuição significativa no peso do fígado nos grupos ND e STNL, (SC 14,4 g ± 0,4 g; ST 14,62 g ± 1,0 g; ND 11,61 g ± 04 g; LM 13,7 g ± 0,5 g e STNL 11,82 g ± 0,5 g), sugerindo lesão hepática. Com base nestes resultados não recomenda-se o uso de esteróides anabolizantes ou a sua associação com Lepidium meyenii. / The popularization of strength training associated with the search for the perfect body increases the demand for anabolic resources for athletes and amateurs. The use of anabolic steroids often occurs in combination with other substances, which may worsen the side effects. Although there are several studies addressing the side effects of nandrolone decanoate, little is known about its association with strength training and Lepidium meyenii. This study aims to evaluate the effect of strength training associated with nandrolone decanoate and Lepidium meyenni (Maca) on body mass, behavioral and liver parameter in Wistar rats. For this, an experimental model was applied to 60 adult rats were divided into five groups: sedentary control (SC), strength training (ST), nandrolone decanoate sedentary (ND), Lepidium meyenii sedentary (LM) and strength training, nandrolone decanoate and Lepidium meyenii (STNL). The strength training protocol consist of 3 series 10 repetitions 80% 1RM and was performed three times a week for five weeks in the apparatus proposed by Tamaki et al. (1992). The nandrolone decanoate intramuscular injection at a dose of 18 mg/kg/week and Lepidium meyenii at 450 mg/kg/week was administered by gavage. At the end of training, the following behavioral tests were performed: Plus-Maze Test, Object Recognition Test and Resident-Intruder. For liver evaluation were made biochemical analysis: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). It was observed positive effects of administration of nandrolone decanoate, Lepidium meyenii and strength training on body mass (SC 490,0 g ± 2,9 g; ST 450,0 g ± 1,3 g; ND 410 g ± 1,0 g; LM 430 g ± 1,4g and STNL 390 g ± 0,7 g). Behavioral tests showed alterations at one or more groups for the aggressiveness parameters, anxiety and memory. In the Plus-Maze Test it found smaller number of entries in the open arms in ST group (SC 2,50 ± 0,62; ST 1,42 ± 0,26; ND 1,58 ± 0,39; LM 1,57 ± 0,33 and STNL 1,58 ± 0,19), smaller number of entries in ST e STNL groups (SC 6,13 ± 0,93; ST 2,75 ± 0,67; ND 3,25 ± 0,52; LM 4,17 ± 0,45 and STNL 2,33 ± 0,33) and shorter permanence in the open arms in ST group (SC 42,88 s ± 13,88 s; ST 17,67 s ± 70 s; ND 28,50 s ± 12,50 s; LM 20,42 s ± 5,8 s and STNL 34,25 s ± 15,24 s). In the Resident Intruder it was observed smaller number of attacks in ST and LM groups (SC 9,13 ± 2,31; ST 6,00 ± 1,38; ND 8,50 ± 1,25; LM 5,75 ± 1,01 and STNL 8,75 ± 1,46). In the Object Recognition Test it was verified lower object recognition índex in ND and LM groups (SC 0,27 ± 0,20; ST 0,01 ± 0,20; ND - 0,35 ± 0,16; LM -0,23 ± 0,16 e STNL -0,23 ± 0,21). Despite not having been found significant variations in biochemical analysis (AST, ALT, FAL and GGT), there was a significant decrease in liver weight in ND and STNL groups (SC 14,4 g ± 0,4 g; ST 14,62 g ± 1,0 g; ND 11,61 g ± 04 g; LM 13,7 g ± 0,5 g e STNL 11,82 g ± 0,5 g)., suggesting liver damage. Based on these results, the use of anabolic steroids is not recommended, as well as its association with Lepidium meyenii.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-02-29Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:42:29Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 agati_lb_dr_botib.pdf: 1519530 bytes, checksum: e23e18f534447ea896a1bef2a219977a (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Considerando-se a importância do exercício físico para a prevenção de problemas na saúde de indivíduos adultos e idosos associada à procura pela melhor forma de se exercitar, tem aumentado a busca por ergogênicos nos dias de hoje. Assim, os ergogênicos têm sido apontados como as principais substâncias utilizadas em tratamentos para o retardo da velhice e prevenção de doenças como enfarte e osteoporose. Porém pouco se sabe sobre o melhor método para estes tratamentos. Logo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar os efeitos produzidos pelo treinamento resistido de alta intensidade e/ou tratamento com decanoato de nandrolona (anabolizante esteróide) sobre os aspectos sociais e reprodutivos, e à resistência mecânica do fêmur em ratos machos. Os ratos foram divididos em seis grupos experimentais: controle não treinado, controle treinado, anabolizante treinado, anabolizante não treinado, controle treinado pirâmide e anabolizante treinado pirâmide. O programa de exercício foi realizado três dias por semana, durante 8 semanas. Concomitantemente, o tratamento com o anabolizante esteróide - decanoato de nandrolona - foi realizado duas vezes por semana e ao final deste treinamento os ratos foram submetidos a um teste de agressividade (comportamento social) e a seguir eutanasiados. Foram realizadas análises ósseas (cabeça do fêmur), atividade da creatina kinase (CK), contagem espermática e viabilidade dos espermatozóides ao final das 8 semanas, com exceção a mensuração da CK que foi realizada ao longo do treinamento pirâmide. Os grupos submetidos ao exercício foram subdivididos para a realização de um protocolo de treinamento chamado “pirâmide”. Neste treinamento, os ratos foram submetidos a uma série de repetições máximas, na qual foi testada sua resistência à fadiga, de grande importância para avaliarmos o dano ou fortalecimento ósseo, assim... / Considering the importance of physical exercise in the prevention of several health diseases on adults and elderly, searching the best way of exercise, the sought for ergogenics has increased nowadays. On this sense, ergogenics have been pointed as one of the most utilized substances on the treatment of aging, prevention of heart attack and osteoporosis. However, little is known about the best method to these treatments. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects produced by the high intensity resistance exercise and/or treatment with nandrolone (anabolic steroid) on social and reproductive aspects, as well as, the bone mechanical resistance on adult male rats. The rats were divided into six experimental groups: Untrained/Vehicle, Untrained/Anabolic, Trained/Vehicle, Trained/Anabolic, Pyramid/Vehicle and Pyramid Anabolic. The exercise protocol was performed three times a week, one day a part, during 8 weeks. The treatment with the anabolic steroid was realized within the eight weeks and at the end of the treatment/training, the animals were euthanized and the following analyses were assessed: femur mechanical resistance, creatine kinase (CK) activity, sperm count and seminal parameters, hormonal levels and the aggressive behavior. For the aggressive behavior the animals were isolated, and only the treatment was performed. The CK activity was the only measurement assessed during the 8 weeks. The groups submitted to the exercise were subdivided on the sixth week to accomplish another exercise protocol, known as pyramid training. This training protocol associates increasing working loads with low repetitions during the program, in which we tested the fatigue resistance, extremely important to evaluate the damage on bone strength, as well as other alterations. Through this analysis we could observe that the rats treated with decanoate... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Orientador: Edson Luis Maistro / Banca: Mario Sergio Montovani / Banca: Luis Fernando Barbisan / Resumo: Os anabolizantes esteróides têm sido amplamente utilizados por profissionais e atletas de elite para melhorar sua aparência e habilidades atléticas. Além disso, eles apresentam um importante papel quimioterapêutico no tratamento de vários tipos de distúrbios metabólicos, homeostáticos e sexuais, em ambos os sexos. Tendo em vista que muitas drogas esteróides têm apresentado diferentes resultados considerando efeitos genotóxicos e mutagênicos, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o potencial genotóxico do hormônio nandrolona (deca-durabolin®) in vivo em células da medula óssea e do sangue periférico de camundongos, usando o teste do micronúcleo e o ensaio do cometa, respectivamente. Os animas receberam injeção intradérmica de 3 concentrações do hormônio esteróide (1.0, 2.5 e 5.0 mg/kg peso corporal). As células foram coletadas 24 h após o tratamento hormonal para o teste do micronúcleo (avaliação da clastogenicidade) e o teste do cometa (avaliação da genotoxicidade). O teste do micronúcleo evidenciou que as duas maiores doses testadas da nandrolona induziram aumentos estatisticamente significativos de células micronucleadas e o teste do cometa não evidenciou aumento significativo de danos no DNA nos linfócitos do sangue periférico. Sob estas condições experimentais, conclui-se que o hormônio esteróide nandrolona apresentou efeito clastogênico e/ou aneugênico e, por outro lado, não foram observados efeitos genotóxicos quando o mesmo foi administrado intradermicamente em camundongos / Abstract: Anabolic androgenic steroids have been widely used by professional and elite athletes to improve their appearance and athletic abilities. Besides, they have an important place in the chemotherapeutic treatment of various types of metabolic, homeostatic, and sexual disorders in both sexes. Since many steroidal drugs have been found to be different results considering genotoxic and mutagenic effects, the aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of nandrolone (deca-durabolin®) in vivo in bone marrow and peripheral blood cells of mice, using micronucleus and comet assays, respectively. The animals received intradermal injection of the 3 concentrations of the steroid (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg body weight). The cells were collected 24 h after the hormone-treatment for the micronucleus (clastogenicity endpoint) and comet assays (genotoxicity endpoint). Micronucleus test showed that the two higher tested-doses of the nandrolone induced statistically significant increase of the micronucleated cells and comet assay no evidenced significant increase in the DNA damage of the lymphocytes from peripheral blood. Under our experimental conditions, the nandrolone steroid hormone showed clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects and, on the other hand, no genotoxic effects when administered intradermally to mice / Mestre

A popularização do treinamento resistido associada a busca pelo corpo perfeito traz consigo uma maior procura por recursos anabolizantes por atletas e amadores. A utilização de anabolizantes geralmente ocorre em associação com outras substâncias, o que pode agravar os seus efeitos colaterais. Apesar de haver vários estudos abordando os efeitos colaterais do decanoato de nandrolona, pouco se conhece sobre a sua associação com treinamento resistido e Lepidium meyenii. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do treinamento resistido associado a decanoato de nandrolona e Lepidium meyenni (Maca) sob o peso corporal, parâmetros comportamentais e hepáticos em ratos wistar. Para isso, foi aplicado um modelo experimental com 60 ratos adultos, divididos em cinco grupos: controle sedentário (SC), treinamento resistido (ST), decanoato de nandrolona sedentário (ND), Lepidium meyenii sedentário (LM) e treinamento resistido decanoato de nandrolona e Lepidium meyenii (STNL). O protocolo de treinamento resistido consta de 3 séries com 10 repetições com 80% 1RM e teve duração de 5 semanas, com freqüência de 3 vezes por semana no aparato proposto por Tamaki et al. (1992). O decanoato de nandrolona intramuscular na dose de 18mg/kg/semana e Lepidium meyenii na dose de 450 mg/kg/semana foi administrado por gavagem. Ao término do treinamento, foram realizados os seguintes testes comportamentais: Labirinto em Cruz Elevado (Plus-Maze), Reconhecimento de Objeto e Residente-Intruso. Para avaliação hepática foram realizadas as seguintes análises bioquímicas: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama glutamiltransferase (GGT). Foram observado efeitos positivos da administração de decanoato de nandrolona, Lepidium meyenii e treinamento resistido sob o peso (SC 490,0 g ± 2,9 g; ST 450,0 g ± 1,3 g; ND 410 g ± 1,0 g; LM 430 g ± 1,4 g e STNL 390 g ± 0,7 g). Os testes comportamentais apresentaram alterações em um ou mais grupos para os parâmetros de agressividade, ansiedade e memória. No Labirinto em Cruz Elevado encontrou-se menor número de entradas no braços abertos do grupo ST (SC 2,50 ± 0,62; ST 1,42 ± 0,26; ND 1,58 ± 0,39; LM 1,57 ± 0,33 e STNL 1,58 ± 0,19), menor número de entradas nos braços fechados nos grupos ST e STNL (SC 6,13 ± 0,93; ST 2,75 ± 0,67; ND 3,25 ± 0,52; LM 4,17 ± 0,45 e STNL 2,33 ± 0,33) e menor tempo de permanência no grupo ST (SC 42,88 s ± 13,88 s; ST 17,67 s ± 70 s; ND 28,50 s ± 12,50 s; LM 20,42 s ± 5,8 s e STNL 34,25 s ± 15,24 s). No teste residente intruso observou-se menor número de ataques nos grupos ST e LM (SC 9,13 ± 2,31; ST 6,00 ± 1,38; ND 8,50 ± 1,25; LM 5,75 ± 1,01 e STNL 8,75 ± 1,46). No teste para memória verificou-se menor índice de reconhecimento de objeto nos grupos ND e LM (SC 0,27 ± 0,20; ST 0,01 ± 0,20; ND -0,35 ± 0,16; LM -0,23 ± 0,16 e STNL -0,23 ± 0,21). Apesar de não terem sido encontradas variações significativas nas análises bioquímicas (AST, ALT, FAL e GGT), houve uma diminuição significativa no peso do fígado nos grupos ND e STNL, (SC 14,4 g ± 0,4 g; ST 14,62 g ± 1,0 g; ND 11,61 g ± 04 g; LM 13,7 g ± 0,5 g e STNL 11,82 g ± 0,5 g), sugerindo lesão hepática. Com base nestes resultados não recomenda-se o uso de esteróides anabolizantes ou a sua associação com Lepidium meyenii. / The popularization of strength training associated with the search for the perfect body increases the demand for anabolic resources for athletes and amateurs. The use of anabolic steroids often occurs in combination with other substances, which may worsen the side effects. Although there are several studies addressing the side effects of nandrolone decanoate, little is known about its association with strength training and Lepidium meyenii. This study aims to evaluate the effect of strength training associated with nandrolone decanoate and Lepidium meyenni (Maca) on body mass, behavioral and liver parameter in Wistar rats. For this, an experimental model was applied to 60 adult rats were divided into five groups: sedentary control (SC), strength training (ST), nandrolone decanoate sedentary (ND), Lepidium meyenii sedentary (LM) and strength training, nandrolone decanoate and Lepidium meyenii (STNL). The strength training protocol consist of 3 series 10 repetitions 80% 1RM and was performed three times a week for five weeks in the apparatus proposed by Tamaki et al. (1992). The nandrolone decanoate intramuscular injection at a dose of 18 mg/kg/week and Lepidium meyenii at 450 mg/kg/week was administered by gavage. At the end of training, the following behavioral tests were performed: Plus-Maze Test, Object Recognition Test and Resident-Intruder. For liver evaluation were made biochemical analysis: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). It was observed positive effects of administration of nandrolone decanoate, Lepidium meyenii and strength training on body mass (SC 490,0 g ± 2,9 g; ST 450,0 g ± 1,3 g; ND 410 g ± 1,0 g; LM 430 g ± 1,4g and STNL 390 g ± 0,7 g). Behavioral tests showed alterations at one or more groups for the aggressiveness parameters, anxiety and memory. In the Plus-Maze Test it found smaller number of entries in the open arms in ST group (SC 2,50 ± 0,62; ST 1,42 ± 0,26; ND 1,58 ± 0,39; LM 1,57 ± 0,33 and STNL 1,58 ± 0,19), smaller number of entries in ST e STNL groups (SC 6,13 ± 0,93; ST 2,75 ± 0,67; ND 3,25 ± 0,52; LM 4,17 ± 0,45 and STNL 2,33 ± 0,33) and shorter permanence in the open arms in ST group (SC 42,88 s ± 13,88 s; ST 17,67 s ± 70 s; ND 28,50 s ± 12,50 s; LM 20,42 s ± 5,8 s and STNL 34,25 s ± 15,24 s). In the Resident Intruder it was observed smaller number of attacks in ST and LM groups (SC 9,13 ± 2,31; ST 6,00 ± 1,38; ND 8,50 ± 1,25; LM 5,75 ± 1,01 and STNL 8,75 ± 1,46). In the Object Recognition Test it was verified lower object recognition índex in ND and LM groups (SC 0,27 ± 0,20; ST 0,01 ± 0,20; ND - 0,35 ± 0,16; LM -0,23 ± 0,16 e STNL -0,23 ± 0,21). Despite not having been found significant variations in biochemical analysis (AST, ALT, FAL and GGT), there was a significant decrease in liver weight in ND and STNL groups (SC 14,4 g ± 0,4 g; ST 14,62 g ± 1,0 g; ND 11,61 g ± 04 g; LM 13,7 g ± 0,5 g e STNL 11,82 g ± 0,5 g)., suggesting liver damage. Based on these results, the use of anabolic steroids is not recommended, as well as its association with Lepidium meyenii.

No description available.

Denna studie gjordes för att undersöka anabola androgena steroider (AAS). Problemformuleringarna som ställdes syftade till att identifiera tillgängligheten hos öppenvårdsenheter enligt behandlare samt att undersöka hur behandlare arbetar med dessa klienter. Community Readiness Model, transteoretisk förändringsprocess samt transformativt lärande har använts som teoretiska utgångspunkter i syfte att uppnå förståelse för så väl det organisatoriska lärandet samt för individens förändringsprocess. En kvalitativ studie har gjorts genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med behandlare, aktiva inom öppenvården. Intervjumaterialet har kodats samt analyserats och ställts emot tidigare forskning för att slutsatser kring syfte och problemformuleringar. Faktorer som kunskapsbrist samt låg motivation har identifierats som bidragande orsaker till missbruksvårdens svårtillgänglighet. Man har sett ett behov av samverkan och kunskapsspridning som faktorer som skulle kunna öka tillgängligheten. Studien visar att vårdens motivation till förändring och arbete med denna problematik är lika viktig som klientens.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Athletes use androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) to enhance their physical performance. The abuse of AAS is however associated with a host of side effects including sudden death due to cardiac arrest. The use of AAS leads to myocardial hypertrophy, which possibly makes the heart more prone to ischaemia/reperfusion injury, since it often develops in the absence of proper vasculature development. Chronic AAS use also disrupts myocardial p-adrenoreceptor function and possibly cAMP, signalling in the heart. Drugs increasing cAMP and decreasing cGMP levels in the ischaemic myocardium exacerbate myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury. We also know that AAS causes coronary artery disease secondary to the deleterious alteration of lipid profiles by increasing the LOL cholesterol and decreasing the HOLcholesterol levels. AAS treatment may increase systemic TNFa levels by stimulating lymphocyte TNFa secretion that has been implicated in the depression of myocardial function, myocardial hypertrophy and the worsening of ischaemia/reperfsuion injury. Aims: To determine whether chronic AAS treatment in trained and untrained rats influences: 1) heart function and susceptibility to ischaemia/reperfusion injury, 2) myocardial cyclic nucleotide levels (cAMP and cGMP) and 3) myocardial TNFa levels. Material and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=100) were divided into 4 groups: sedentary vehicle (placebo) treated group, sedentary AAS treated group, exercise vehicle (placebo) treated group, and exercise AAS treated group. Steroid treated animals received an intramuscular injection of nandrolone laureate (0.375 mg/kg) once a week, for six weeks. Training consisted of swim sessions 6 days a week for 6 weeks. Swim time was incrementally increased up to a maximum of 50 minutes a day. For biometric parameters heart weight and body weight were documented. Hearts were mounted on a l.anqendorff perfusion apparatus and left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), heart rate (HR) and coronary flow (CF) was monitored. The hearts were subjected to a period of 20 minutes of global ischaemia, followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Functional parameters was again monitored and documented. For biochemical analysis, blood was collected for the determination of serum lipid levels and myocardial tissue samples were collected before, during and after ischaemia for the determination of myocardial TNFa, cGMP and cAMP levels and p38 activity. Conclusions: Results obtained would suggest that AAS exacerbate exercise induced myocardial hypertrophy. It also prevents the exercise-induced improvement in cardiac function. AAS use reduces reperfusion function in treated hearts, which may suggest that AAS exacerbates ischaemie and reperfusion injury. Furthermore it was seen that AAS elevates basal (preischaemie) cyclic nucleotide levels and basal (pre-ischaemic) as well as reperfusion TNFa levels. This may also contribute to the exacerbation of ischaemic and reperfusion injury. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond: Androgeniese anaboliese steroïede (AAS) word dikwels deur atlete gebruik om sportprestasie te verbeter. Die misbruik van AAS het egter talle newe effekte, insluitende skielike dood wat gewoonlik toegeskryf word aan hartaanvalle. Die gebruik van AAS lei onder andere tot miokardiale hipertrofie wat opsigself, as gevolg van ontoereikende vaskulêre ontwikkeling tydens die ontwikkeling van hipertrofie, die hart nog meer vatbaar vir isgemie/herperfusie skade maak. Kroniese AAS toediening versteur miokardiale beta-adtenoresepter funksie en moontlik die tweede boodskapper, sAMP, seintransduksie in die hart. Ons weet ook dat AAS koronêre hartvatsiektes veroorsaak. Laasgenoemde is sekondêr tot die nadelige lipiedprofiel verandering, wat 'n verhoging in LDL-C en 'n verlaging in HDL-C insluit. Middels wat miokardiale sAMP vlakke verhoog en sGMP vlakke in die isgemiese miokardium verlaag, vererger miokardiale isgemie/herperfusie skade. AAS behandeling kan moontlik ook sistemiese TNFa vlakke verhoog deur limfosiet TNFa sekresie te stimuleer. Die verhoogde TNFa vlakke word verbind aan die onderdrukking van miokardiale funksie, miokardiale hipertrofie en die verergering van isgemie/herperfusie skade. Doelwitte: Die doelwitte van die studie was om te bepaal of kroniese AAS toediening in geoefende en ongeoefende rotte 1) hartfunksie en die hart se vatbaarheid vir isgemie/herperfusie skade beïnvloed, 2) miokardiale sikliese nukleotiedvlakke (sAMP en sGMP) beïnvloed en 3) miokardiale TNFa-vlakke beïnvloed. Materiale en metodes: Manlike Sprague-Dawley rotte (n=100) is gebruik en in 4 groepe verdeel: 'n ongeoefende placebo groep (kontrole); 'n ongeoefende steroïedbehandelde groep; 'n geoefende placebo groep (kontrole) en 'n geoefende steroïedbehandelde groep. Steroïed behandelde diere het 'n intramuskulêre nandroloon lauraat inspuiting (0.375 mg/kg) een keer per week vir ses weke ontvang. Die oefenprogram het bestaan uit ses swemsessies 'n week vir ses weke. Die swemtyd is geleidelik weekliks verhoog tot by 'n maksimum tyd 50 min. Die waterbadtemperatuur is tussen 30 - 32 oe gehandhaaf. Vir biometriese parameters is hartgewig en liggaamsgewig genoteer. Harte is op 'n Langendorff perfusie apparaat gemonteer en linker ventrikulêre ontwikkelde druk (LVOD), koronêre vloei (KV) en harttempo (HT) is genoteer. Die harte is vervolgens blootgestel aan 20 minute van globale isgemie gevolg deur 'n 30 minute herperfusieperiode. LVOD, KV en HT is weer eens noteer. Vir biochemiese doeleindes is bloed voor perfusie versamelom serum lipied vlakke te bepaal. Miokardiale weefsel is versamel voor, tydens en na isgemie vir die bepaling van TNFa, cGMP en AMP vlakke asook p38 aktiwiteit. Gevolgtrekkings: Na aanleiding van resultate verkry wil dit voorkom asof die gebruik van steroïde oefeningsgeïnduseerde miokardiale hipertrofie vererger. Dit verhoed ook oefeningsgeïnduseerde verbetering in miokardiale funksie. AAS lei tot 'n verlaagde herperfusiefunksie in behandelde harte, wat dalk mag dui op MS verergering van isgemie en herperfusie skade. Verder was daar ook waargeneem dat MS basale (pre-isgemiese) sikliese nukleotiedvlakke en basale TNFa-vlakke sowel as herperfusie TNFa vlakke verhoog. Die verhoging in TNF-a vlakke mag dus moontlik ook bydra tot die verergering van isgemie- en herperfusieskade.

<p>Supratherapeutic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are administered, not only as performance-enhancing drugs in the world of sports, but also in order to modify behaviour. AAS abusers are at risk of developing serious physical and psychological side effects such as dependence and aggressive behaviour. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of supratherapeutic doses of nandrolone decanoate after subchronic administration on dopamine and serotonin pathways involved in drug dependence and aggression, in the male rat brain.</p><p>Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (3 or 15 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 14 days. Nandrolone decanoate pre-exposure abolished the effect of amphetamine on the 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) tissue level in the hypothalamus and on the DOPAC/dopamine ratio in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. A significant decrease of the basal extracellular DOPAC and homovanillic acid (HVA) levels could be detected in the nucleus accumbens, which remained low during the first hour following the amphetamine challenge. Nandrolone decanoate significantly reduced the activity of both monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and -B) in the caudate putamen and amygdala. The gene transcript levels of MAO-B, and the dopamine D1 and D4 receptors were altered in limbic regions. No changes in transcriptional levels could be detected among the serotonin receptor genes examined. However, the density of the serotonin transporter protein was elevated in a range of aggression-related brain regions.</p><p>Taken together, subchronic administration of nandrolone decanoate causes dopaminergic and serotonergic dysregulations in distinct brain regions. These areas of the brain are involved in the development of drug dependence and expression of impulsive and aggressive behaviours. These results may contribute to explain some of the behavioural changes often reported in AAS abusers, such as polydrug use and impaired impulse control.</p>