Immune response following the administration of the anabolic steroid Boldenone Undecylenate in rabbits.

摘要

The present study was conducted to clarify the effect of the anabolic steroid boldenone undecylenate (BOL) on some immunological parameters in rabbits. The study was carried out on 60 apparently healthy New Zealand white male rabbits. Rabbits were divided into three groups each of 20 rabbits. The first group was injected with an adjuvant substance (sesame oil) and was considered as control (C). The second group was administered BOL at the recommended dose for rabbits (4.5mg/kg b.w) (group R). The third group was administered BOL at a dose double the recommended dose (9 mg/kg b.w) (group D). All treatments were given three times at three weeks interval. Blood samples were collected three times after the last drug injection at two weeks interval. Evaluated parameters included growth performance parameters [total weight gain (TWG), feed conversion rate (FCR) and feed efficiency (FE)], evaluation of cell-mediated immunity [total (TLC) and differential leukocytic counts (DLC), phagocytic activity of heterophils (PA) and phagocytic index (PI)], and evaluation of humoral immune response [antibody titers by hemagglutination inhibition test (HIT), serum levels of IgA and IgG, in addition serum protein electrophoretic fractionation profile]. The results showed that BOL injection into rabbits resulted in a significant increase in TWG and FE and a significant decrease in FCR particularly with the double dose of the drug. Monitoring the parameters of cell mediated response revealed a significant decrease in lymphocyte percentage, PA and PI. In regard to humoral immunity, the results demonstrated a significant decrease in serum antibody titers measured by HIT, gamma globulins as well as serum concentrations of both IgA and IgG. In most cases these alterations in the immune responses were more significant when the double dose of BOL was administered. This study concludes that administration of BOL to rabbits although, results in a significant improvement in growth rate, it compromises the immune response inhibiting both cell mediated and humoral immune reactions. Nevertheless, the results suggest that the severity of these immunological side effects is dose-dependent.