Behavioural and Neurochemical Consequences of Nandrolone Decanoate and Amino Acids Abuse in Rats

摘要

Aggression is a common adverse effect in Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AASs) abusers. The present study aimed to investigate possible interaction between nandrolone decanoate and amino acids on behavior and neurotransmitters. Rats received repeated injections of nandrolone (10 mg kg~(-1), i.m., once weekly), amino acids mixture (0.8 g kg~(-1), p.o., once daily) and their combination for eight weeks. Defensive aggression, open field and hot plate tests were measured at the end of experiments. Serotonin (5-HT), Dopamine (DA), Norepinephrine (NE) and glutamate were measured in specific brain regions. Analysis of data showed that nandrolone, amino acids and their combination increased aggression and differentially affected brain neurotransmitters. Nandrolone decreased rearing, while amino acids decreased ambulation, increased rearing and grooming frequencies. Taken together, our data indicate that treatment with nandrolone decanoate, amino acids mixture and their combination may induce neurochemical alterations in brain regions regulating aggressive behavior.