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Anabolic steroids impair the exercise-induced growth of the cardiac capillary bed

C V Tagarakis1, W Bloch, G Hartmann

  • 1Institute I of Anatomy, University of Cologne, Germany.

International Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 29, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anabolic steroids with exercise cause mild cardiac myocyte growth but impair blood vessel adaptation. This combination may reduce oxygen supply to the heart during exercise.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Exercise Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and exercise can cause cardiac hypertrophy.
  • The effects of combined AAS and exercise on cardiac myocytes and capillaries are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cardiac myocyte and capillary response to combined AAS and exercise.
  • To evaluate the impact of specific AAS (Dianabol, Oral-Turinabol) with exercise on cardiac morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Female mice were divided into control, exercise, AAS-only, and AAS + exercise groups.
  • Treadmill exercise and oral administration of Dianabol or Oral-Turinabol were used.
  • Cardiac left ventricular papillary muscles were morphometrically analyzed after 3 and 6 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Mild myocyte hypertrophy occurred only in AAS + exercise groups.
  • Exercise alone significantly increased capillary density and reduced intercapillary distance.
  • Exercise alone maximized capillary proliferation around myocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Combined AAS and exercise induce mild cardiac myocyte hypertrophy.
  • AAS with exercise impair cardiac microvascular adaptation to physical training.
  • This impairment may compromise myocardial oxygen supply during exertion.

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