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Anabolic steroids and lymphocyte function in sedentary and exercise-trained rats
M D Ferrández1, M de la Fuente, E Fernández
1Department of Animal Biology II (Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Suprapharmacological doses of anabolic steroids negatively impact immune cells. However, endurance exercise counteracted these effects, unlike high-intensity training, preserving lymphocyte function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Exercise Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are performance-enhancing drugs with known side effects.
- The impact of suprapharmacological AAS doses on the immune system, particularly in conjunction with exercise, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of nandrolone decanoate (ND) and stanozolol (ST) on immune cell function in sedentary and exercise-trained rats.
- To compare the impact of high-intensity versus endurance exercise training on immune responses during AAS administration.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats underwent 3-month treadmill training programs (high-intensity or endurance).
- Rats received intramuscular injections of nandrolone decanoate (ND) or stanozolol (ST) at suprapharmacological doses (10 mg/kg/week) during the final two months.
- Immune cell mobility and in vitro lymphocyte proliferation (thymus and spleen) were assessed.
Main Results:
- ND significantly reduced body weight gain, altered immune cell distribution, impaired lymphocyte mobility, and inhibited proliferation (approx. 90% for thymus cells).
- ST affected lymphocyte distribution and activity, though less severely than ND, without impacting body weight.
- High-intensity training exacerbated AAS-induced reductions in lymphocyte mobility and proliferation.
- Endurance training did not impair lymphocyte mobility or proliferation and normalized immune cell activity in AAS-treated rats.
Conclusions:
- Suprapharmacological doses of ND and ST negatively affect immune cell function and distribution.
- High-intensity training intensifies the immunosuppressive effects of AASs.
- Endurance exercise demonstrates a protective effect, counteracting the adverse impacts of high-dose androgens on lymphocyte function.