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Published on: April 7, 2014
Dehydroepiandrosterone and exercise in golden hamsters
D R Pieper1, C A Lobocki, E M Lichten
1Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI 48037, USA. piepwin@ic.net
Physiology & Behavior
|November 5, 1999
Summary
Exercise may lower levels of adrenal androgens like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Studies in hamsters show DHEA supplementation did not increase exercise behavior.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are key adrenal androgens.
- These hormones are linked to human well-being and potentially influence physical activity.
- The relationship between DHEA/DHEAS levels and exercise inclination requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that increased DHEA or DHEAS secretion correlates with a greater inclination to exercise.
- To examine the effects of exercise on DHEA and DHEAS levels in a hamster model.
- To determine if exogenous DHEA administration influences exercise behavior.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Adult male golden hamsters were divided into exercise (EX) and sedentary (SED) groups. Blood samples were collected to measure DHEA and DHEAS levels.
- Experiment 2: Castrated adult male hamsters received implants containing either no hormone, testosterone, or DHEA. Wheel running activity was monitored.
- Hormone levels and wheel running activity were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hamsters in the exercise group exhibited significantly lower DHEA and DHEAS levels compared to sedentary controls at various time points.
- In castrated hamsters, testosterone administration significantly increased wheel running activity.
- Exogenous DHEA administration did not result in a significant difference in wheel running behavior compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Exercise in male golden hamsters is associated with decreased levels of DHEA and DHEAS.
- Exogenous DHEA does not appear to enhance the motivation for wheel running in this model.
- Findings suggest a complex interplay between adrenal androgens and exercise behavior, with exercise potentially influencing androgen levels rather than vice versa.
