Behavioural anxiolytic effects of low-dose anabolic androgenic steroid treatment in rats. |
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Authors: | G Agren I Thiblin P Tirassa T Lundeberg C Stenfors |
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Institution: | Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. greta.agren@fyfa.ki.se |
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Abstract: | The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in supratherapeutic doses has been associated with aggressive behaviour as well as with severe affective and psychotic symptoms. These symptoms usually follow a chronic exposure for several months. However, AAS also may have milder effects with hypomania-like features such as an increase in confidence, energy and self-esteem. We have studied the short-term effects on male rat behaviour in a modified open-field test of the AAS Metenolon administered three times at a low dose (0.01 mg/kg/week x 3). The control rats showed indications of increased timidity and aversive learning following retesting, a reaction that was absent in the AAS-treated rats. The AAS-treated rats showed less fear or anticipatory anxiety compared to control animals. Furthermore, the suppressed marking behaviour and altered morphological allometric relationships were compatible with a modified social and sexual competence in the AAS treated rats. |
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