Subchronic administration of nandrolone decanoate in acetylcholinesterase activity in Wistar rats

Abstract

Health sciences have recently discovered the medical uses of nandrolone decanoate (ND), an androgenic anabolic steroid (AAS), and reported its use in human and animal patients. Clinical evidences suggest that the AAS excess may affect the cholinergic system, which is responsible for several vital functions like learning, memory, and the organization of the movements. Thus, our aim is to research the subchronic effect of ND when administered in varying doses on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in these brain structures: cerebellum (CE), hippocampus, striatum (ST), and cortex of adult rats. We used 36 male Wistar rats, which were divided into six groups (n=6). The groups were divided into: G1-control (physiologic solution), G2-diluents control (only an oleaginous vehicle of vegetal origin-olive oil), G3-0.42 mgkg −1 of ND, G4-1.8 mg kg −1 of ND, G5-4.6 mgkg −1 of ND, and G6-10.0 mg kg −1 of ND. We applied the doses once every week during a 3-week period. The values obtained demonstrated a significant increase in the AChE activity (referring to ST and CE for the 4.6 and 10.0 mgkg −1 doses of ND). The ND causes increase in AChE activity, which could impair neurotransmission and cholinergic modulation.

17α-Methyltestosterone (Anabolic Androgenic Steroids) Alters Acetylcholinesterase Enzyme Activity in Different Parts of the Brain in Female Mice, Mus Musculus

“…In contrast, increased AChE activity in the cerebral and hippocampus was found in the boldenone treated rats [35]. Likewise, increase in AChE activity following treatment of ND suggested impairment in neurotransmission and cholinergic modulation [24]. Generally, maintenance of ACh levels is necessary for normal memory function, but excessive AChE activity leads to disruption of ACh in hippocampal cholinergic synapses [36].…”

“…A significant increase in AChE activity in forebrain and midbrain (low and medium dose treatment) suggests a reduction of cholinergic neurotransmission efficiency due to a decrease in acetylcholine levels in the synaptic cleft which may be related to neurotoxicity and neuronal degeneration [23]. Parallel to this, subchronic treatment of nandrolone decanoate (ND) resulted in the augmented levels of AChE activity in cerebellum and striatum of rat brain affecting the cholinergic system and consequently the CNS [24]. Likewise, ND treatment induced behavioral changes including oxidative damage, inflammation, and imbalance in brain neurotransmitter systems, modulation of nerve growth factor, and neuronal apoptosis [25][26][27].…”