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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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2
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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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3
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Androgens and opiates: testosterone interaction with morphine self-administration in male rats. Neuroreport 2014; 25:521-6. [PMID: 24488032 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and opioids intersects in athletics. Evidence from humans and animals suggests that AAS may act in the brain through opioidergic mechanisms, and may potentiate effects of opioids. To determine whether AAS enhance motivation for opioid intake, in this study, male rats were treated chronically for 6 weeks with high levels of testosterone (7.5 mg/kg) or vehicle subcutaneously, and they were tested for morphine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR) and progressive-ratio (PR) schedules. Initially, rats received chronic morphine infusion (16.8-50 mg/kg/day) over 7 days. Subsequently, rats were tested for morphine self-administration (3.2 mg/kg) 6 h/day for 3 days under an FR1 schedule, and for 7 days under a PR 9-4 schedule. Under the FR1 schedule, controls self-administered more morphine (95.9±8.5 mg/kg) than testosterone-treated rats (63.2±7.2 mg/kg; P<0.05). Under the PR schedule, there was no effect of testosterone on morphine intake or operant responding (26.7±5.7 responses vs. 30.9±5.9 responses for vehicle; NS). To determine whether testosterone enhances morphine sedation, additional rats were treated with testosterone or vehicle and evaluated for locomotor behavior and rearing activity over 30 min in response to saline or 10 mg/kg morphine. Morphine inhibited locomotor activity and rearing; testosterone selectively reduced rearing behavior, but did not alter locomotor behavior. These results suggest that testosterone does not increase motivation for morphine.
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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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5
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Abstract
AIMS Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely used illicitly to gain muscle and lose body fat. Here we review the accumulating human and animal evidence showing that AAS may cause a distinct dependence syndrome, often associated with adverse psychiatric and medical effects. METHOD We present an illustrative case of AAS dependence, followed by a summary of the human and animal literature on this topic, based on publications known to us or obtained by searching the PubMed database. RESULTS About 30% of AAS users appear to develop a dependence syndrome, characterized by chronic AAS use despite adverse effects on physical, psychosocial or occupational functioning. AAS dependence shares many features with classical drug dependence. For example, hamsters will self-administer AAS, even to the point of death, and both humans and animals exhibit a well-documented AAS withdrawal syndrome, mediated by neuroendocrine and cortical neurotransmitter systems. AAS dependence may particularly involve opioidergic mechanisms. However, AAS differ from classical drugs in that they produce little immediate reward of acute intoxication, but instead a delayed effect of muscle gains. Thus standard diagnostic criteria for substance dependence, usually crafted for acutely intoxicating drugs, must be adapted slightly for cumulatively acting drugs such as AAS. CONCLUSIONS AAS dependence is a valid diagnostic entity, and probably a growing public health problem. AAS dependence may share brain mechanisms with other forms of substance dependence, especially opioid dependence. Future studies are needed to characterize AAS dependence more clearly, identify risk factors for this syndrome and develop treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Kanayama
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, and Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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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: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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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Sadeghi M, Sianati S, Anaraki DK, Ghasemi M, Paydar MJ, Sharif B, Mehr SE, Dehpour AR. Study of morphine-induced dependence in gonadectomized male and female mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2008; 91:604-9. [PMID: 18930756 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2008] [Revised: 09/15/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study we evaluated the effects of sex difference and also sex hormones on the naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in both orchidectomized (ORC) male and ovariectomized (OVX) female mice. Morphine (50, 50 and 75 mg/kg/day for 4 days, s.c.) was administered to animals and at 5th day naloxone (4 mg/kg, i.p.)-precipitated morphine withdrawal signs, jumpings and the percentage of weight loss, were measured. There was no significant alteration in withdrawal jumpings between male and female mice, though weight loss was significantly higher in male ones. Jumpings was significantly lower in both OVX and ORC mice and percentage of weight loss was significantly higher in OVX mice than corresponding non-operated or sham animals. In OVX mice, E(2)V (10 mg/kg, s.c.) increased number of jumpings and decreased percentage of weight loss. Progesterone (25 mg/kg, s.c.) had no effect on jumpings, whereas it decreased weight loss in OVX mice. Testosterone (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) increased jumpings in ORC mice while it had no effect on percentage of weight loss. Our results demonstrated that sex hormones could play a role in the morphine withdrawal syndrome in both ORC male and OVX female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Sadeghi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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9
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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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Kurling S, Kankaanpää A, Seppälä T. Sub-chronic nandrolone treatment modifies neurochemical and behavioral effects of amphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats. Behav Brain Res 2008; 189:191-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2007] [Accepted: 12/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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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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12
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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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13
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van den Buuse M, Simpson ER, Jones MEE. Prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in aromatase knock-out mice: effects of age and gender. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2003; 2:93-102. [PMID: 12884966 DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-183x.2003.00014.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen has been suggested to play a neuromodulatory and neuroprotective role on the brain dopamine system. We used aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice that lack a functional aromatase enzyme and are unable to convert testosterone into estrogen, and assessed prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, locomotor hyperactivity to amphetamine treatment and rotarod performance. Mice were tested at either 1 month, 4-5 months or 12-18 months of age. In male, but not female ArKO mice, there was an age-related reduction of prepulse inhibition. The 12-18 months old male ArKO mice also showed significantly greater amphetamine-induced hyperactivity. Mice heterozygous for the mutation showed no deficits or were in-between wildtype mice and ArKO mice. We postulate that these data indicate a neuroprotective role of estrogen, particularly in male mice, on ageing of brain mechanisms involved in pre-pulse inhibition and locomotor activity regulation. It is likely that these brain mechanisms are or include dopaminergic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van den Buuse
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Mental Health Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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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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15
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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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16
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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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17
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D'Souza DN, Harlan RE, Garcia MM. Sexually dimorphic effects of morphine and MK-801: sex steroid-dependent and -independent mechanisms. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2002; 92:493-503. [PMID: 11796656 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00565.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats show gender differences in responses to morphine and the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801); the role of sex steroids in mediating these differences is unclear. We tested the overall hypothesis that circulating gonadal steroids determine the gender differences in morphine- and MK-801-induced behavior and c-Fos expression. Morphine caused a greater expression of c-Fos in the striatum of intact males than of that females, which was independent of sex steroids. MK-801 completely inhibited morphine-induced c-Fos in intact females but only caused partial inhibition in intact males; castrated males showed complete inhibition, which was reversed by testosterone, but gonadal steroids had no effect on this response in females. In thalamus, there was a large sex difference in the response to MK-801 that was independent of gonadal steroids. Behavioral responses to morphine were greater in males, but responses to MK-801 were greater in females; both were sex steroid independent. These findings show significant sex differences in response to morphine and MK-801 that are mediated by sex steroid-dependent and -independent mechanisms, which may be important in treatment outcomes of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah N D'Souza
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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18
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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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