Androgênios e mama / Androgens and breast

O câncer de mama (BCA) é uma das neoplasias mais frequentes em mulheres de vários países, a exposição excessiva aos estrogênios é um dos principais fatores de risco. Os ovários são as principais fontes de produção estrogênica endógena; porém, na menopausa essa produção cessa e a síntese extragonadal, sobretudo nas células mesenquimais do tecido adiposo, passa a ser a principal fonte de produção estrogênica, pois essas células apresentam aromatase, enzima que converte androgênios em estrogênios. Apoiada por fortes evidências clínicas, a reposição androgênica tem sido recomendada para o alívio de sintomas decorrentes da síndrome da insuficiência androgênica feminina, tais como fadiga, alterações do humor e quadros de depressão; além disso, estudos experimentais têm sugerido a possibilidade de uma plausível proteção da reposição androgênica contra o BCA. Nesses estudos, em que atuou por meio de seus receptores, a testosterona apresentou efeitos antiproliferativos, pró­apoptóticos e inibiu a atividade dos receptores estrogênicos e do crescimento de tumores mamários; evidências clínicas também apoiam o papel protetor dos androgênios na mama. Entretanto, outros estudos indicam que esse papel protetor depende do nível de atividade da aromatase; assim, a testosterona pode exercer um efeito inibidor direto no crescimento tumoral ao ligar­se ao seu receptor, porém ter um efeito estimulador indireto através de sua conversão para estrogênios pela aromatase. A obesidade e a insulina, além de múltiplos outros fatores, alguns dos quais são fatores de risco independentes para BCA, podem resultar na superexpressão da aromatase e ter como resultado aumento na produção localizada de estrogênios, os quais são fatores estimulantes do BCA. Estudos sobre a administração de testosterona em mulheres são escassos e controversos e não existem estudos que forneçam dados em termos de segurança desse uso em longo prazo. Assim, nesta revisão pretendemos mostrar como os androgênios atuam na mama. Frente às evidências atuais, o uso de androgênios em mulheres com fatores de risco para câncer de mama não é recomendado.(AU)

Breast cancer (BCAA) is one of the most frequent malignancies in women in several countries, which excessive exposure to oestrogens is one of the main risk factors. The ovaries are the main source of endogenous estrogen production; however, at menopause this production sessate and extra­gonadal synthesis, especially in ectomesenchymal cells from adipose tissue, turns the main source of estrogen production, since these cells express aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. Supported by strong clinical evidence androgen replacement has been recommended for the relief of symptoms caused by female syndrome of androgen insufficiency, such as fatigue, mood swings and depression; Furthermore, experimental studies have suggested the possibility of protection of androgen replacement against BCA. In these studies, acting through their receptors, testosterone showed antiproliferative, proapoptotic and inhibited the activity of estrogen receptors and growth of mammary tumors; Clinical evidence also support the protective role of androgens in the breast. However, studies indicate that this protective role depends on the level of aromatase activity; for instance, testosterone can exert a direct inhibitory effect on tumor growth by binding to its receptor, but have an indirect effect by stimulating its conversion to oestrogens by aromatase. Obesity and insulin, as well as multiple other factors, some of which are independent risk factors for BCA, may result in overexpression of aromatase, resulting in increased localized production of estrogens, which are inducible factors of BCA. Studies on the administration of testosterone in women are scarce and controversial, and there are no studies that provide data in terms of long­term use of safety. Thus, in this review we intend to show how androgens act in the breast. Given the current evidence, the use of androgens in women with risk factors for breast cancer is not recommended.(AU)

Morphometric study of the corpus cavernosum after anabolic androgenic steroid administration in pubertal and adult rats

PURPOSE: To evaluate the penile morphological modifications of pubertal and adult rats chronically treated with supra-physiological doses of anabolic androgenic steroids. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: two control groups, 105- and 65-day-old (C105 and C65, respectively) injected with peanut oil (vehicle); and two treated groups, 105- and 65-day-old (T105 and T65, respectively) injected with nandrolone decanoate at a dose of 10 mg Kg-1 of body weight. The rats were injected once a week for eight weeks. The rats were then killed and their penises were processed for histomorphometric analyses. The mean of each parameter was statistically compared. RESULTS: A corpus cavernosum reduction of 12.5% and 10.9% was observed in the T105 and T65 groups, respectively, when compared with their respective control groups. The cavernosum smooth muscle surface density diminished by 5.6% and 12.9% in the T65 and T105 groups, respectively, when compared with their controls. In contrast, the sinusoidal space increased by 17% in the T105 group and decreased by 9.6% in the T65 group. CONCLUSION: The use of supra-physiological doses of AAS promotes structural changes in the rat penis, by altering the proportions of corpus cavernosum tissues, in both pubertal and adult treated animals. .

“Não” para jovens bombados, “sim” para velhos empinados: o discurso sobre anabolizantes e saúde em artigos da área biomédica / “No” for stacked young bodybuilders, “yes” for manthers: the biomedical discourse on anabolic steroids and health / “No” a los jóvenes cachas, “sí” a los viejos cachondos: el discurso sobre agentes anabólicos y salud en artículos biomédicos

Abordamos o discurso médico sobre o uso dos esteroides anabolizantes androgênicos (EAA), drogas sintéticas cujo abuso vem sendo caracterizado como problema de saúde pública, sendo operado na contraposição entre usos “médicos” e “não-médicos”. Com base em abordagem qualitativa, realizamos análise de enunciações presentes em 76 artigos da área biomédica entre 2002 e 2012. Nesse discurso, permanece o banimento, entre jovens, de usos de EAA não regulados pela medicina, ao passo em que as fronteiras do emprego clinicamente qualificado parecem se expandir para pessoas idosas, mesmo frente a contradições que tensionam o argumento de prevenção dos riscos à saúde. Percebem-se marcações biopolíticas moralizantes, seja via distinções de gênero, seja sob o signo da criminalização do uso de drogas.

The article addresses the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic drugs whose abuse has been characterized as a public health problem, operated in the opposition between “medical” and “non-medical” uses. A qualitative approach was used to analyze the text in 76 biomedical articles published from 2002 to 2012. The discourse shows a persistent ban on non-medically regulated use of AAS by young people, while the limits on clinically qualified use appear to expand among older people, even given the contradictions straining the argument on the prevention of health risks. Moralizing biopolitical stances appear, based on gender distinctions or under the aegis of criminalizing drug use.

Nos acercamos al discurso médico sobre el uso de esteroides anabólicos androgénicos (EAA), drogas sintéticas, cuyo abuso se ha caracterizado como un problema de salud pública, que ha operado bajo una oposición entre sus usos “médico” y “no-médico”. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, se realizó un análisis de los enunciados en 76 artículos biomédicos, entre 2002 y 2012. Por un lado, y entre los jóvenes, prevalece un discurso basado en la prohibición de usos “no médicos” de EAA; y por otro lado, dirigiéndose a las personas de edad, las fronteras de usos clínicos tienden a expandirse, independientemente de las contradicciones que desestabilizan argumentos de prevención de riesgos para la salud. Percibimos marcas moralizantes biopolíticas, ya sea a través de las distinciones de género, ya sea bajo el signo de la criminalización del consumo de drogas.

Elderly men over 65 years of age with late-onset hypogonadism benefit as much from testosterone treatment as do younger men

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential benefits of testosterone administration to elderly men (>65 years) with late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in comparison with younger men and to assess the safety of testosterone administration to elderly men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 561 hypogonadal men from two registry studies were divided into age groups of 65 years (group O, n=111; range, 66-84 years). Following an initial 6-week interval, all men were treated with 3-month injections of parenteral testosterone undecanoate for up to 6 years. RESULTS: Over the 6 years, there was a progressive decrease of body weight and waist circumference. Beneficial effects on lipids and other metabolic factors and on psychological and sexual functioning progressed over the first 24 to 42 months and were sustained. Rather than a deterioration, there was an improvement of urinary parameters. Prostate volume and prostate-specific antigen increased moderately. Hematocrit levels increased but remained within safe margins. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of restoring serum testosterone in men with LOH were not significantly different between men older than 65 years of age and younger men. There were no indications that side effects were more severe in elderly men. The effects on prostate and urinary function and hematocrit were within safe margins. Age itself need not be a contraindication to testosterone treatment of elderly men with LOH.

Reversible Infertility Associated with Testosterone Therapy for Symptomatic Hypogonadism in Infertile Couple

PURPOSE: Androgen replacement therapy has been shown to be safe and effective for most patients with testosterone deficiency. Male partners of infertile couples often report significantly poorer sexual activity and complain androgen deficiency symptoms. We report herein an adverse effect on fertility caused by misusage of androgen replacement therapy in infertile men with hypogonadal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 8 male patients referred from a local clinic for azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia between January 2008 and July 2011. After detailed evaluation at our andrology clinic, all patients were diagnosed with iatrogenic hypogonadism associated with external androgen replacement. We evaluated changes in semen parameters and serum hormone level, and fertility status. RESULTS: All patients had received multiple testosterone undecanoate (NebidoR) injections at local clinic due to androgen deficiency symptoms combined with lower serum testosterone level. The median duration of androgen replacement therapy prior to the development of azoospermia was 8 months (range: 4-12 months). After withdrawal of androgen therapy, sperm concentration and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level returned to normal range at a median 8.5 months (range: 7-10 months). CONCLUSION: Misusage of external androgen replacement therapy in infertile men with poor sexual function can cause temporary spermatogenic dysfunction, thus aggravating infertility.

Novel mutation in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GNRHR) gene in a patient with normosmic isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism / Nova mutação no receptor do hormônio liberador de gonadotrofinas (GNRHR) em um paciente com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico isolado normósmico

We report a novel GNRHR mutation in a male with normosmic isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH). The coding region of the GNRHR gene was amplified and sequenced. Three variants p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys]; [Tyr283His] were identified in the GNRHR coding region in a male with sporadic complete nIHH. The three variants were absent in the controls (130 normal adults). Familial segregation showed that the previously described p.Asn10Lys and p.Gln11Lys are in the same allele, in compound heterozygozity with the novel variant p.Tyr283His. The p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys] are known inactivating mutations. The p.Tyr283His affects a well-conserved residue, and in silico analysis suggested it is a deleterious variant. We describe a novel GNRHR mutation in a male with nIHH. Absence of the mutation in the control group, conservation among species, in silico analysis, and familial segregation suggest that p.Tyr283His, which was identified in compound heterozygozity with the p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys] variants, is an inactivating mutation. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):540-4.

Relatamos uma nova mutação no gene GNRHR em um homem com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico isolado normósmico (HHIn). A região codificadora do gene GNRHR foi amplificada e sequenciada. Três variantes p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys]; [Tyr283His] foram identificadas no GNRHR em um homem com HHIn esporádico. As três variantes estavam ausentes no grupo controle (130 adultos normais). A segregação familiar mostrou que as variantes previamente descritas p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys] se localizavam no mesmo alelo, em heterozigose composta com a nova variante p.Tyr283His. As mutações p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys] são sabidamente inativadoras. A variante p.Tyr283His afeta um resíduo bem conservado, e a análise in silico sugeriu que essa é uma mutação deletéria. Descrevemos uma mutação inédita no gene GNRHR em um paciente com HHIn nIHH. A ausência da variante no grupo controle, a conservação entre as espécies, a análise in silico e a segregação familiar sugerem que a p.Tyr283His é uma mutação inativadora, identificada em heterozigose composta com as mutações p.[Asn10Lys;Gln11Lys]. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):540-4.

Metástasis intraabdominal y pélvica en cáncer de próstata: resistente a terapia de bloqueo androgénico total / Pelvic and intraabdominal metastases in prostate cancer: resistant to total androgenic blockade therapy

Los sitios habituales para metástasis de cáncer de próstata son en ganglios linfáticos regionales, vejiga, hueso, pulmón, hígado, un escaso porcentaje en otras localizaciones, como retroperitoneo y mediastínicas. Cirugía y radioterapia constituyen el tratamiento estándar de la enfermedad localizada. El uso de la terapia hormonal ha sido el principal abordaje oncológico en el tumor hormono sensible. La quimioterapia recientemente ha arrojado una alternativa terapéutica para estos tumores. Deprivación androgénica produce una disminución en niveles del antígeno prostático específico, regresión de masas tumorales medibles y período de estabilidad clínica. Paciente masculino de 60 años de edad, con adenocarcinoma poco diferenciado infiltrante de próstata Gleason 10, localmente avanzado, bajo tratamiento con bloqueo androgénico total, quien refirió dolor abdominal, aumento de volumen progresivo en hipogastrio y estreñimiento. Biopsia de tumor abdominal: adenocarcinoma de próstata poco diferenciado metastásico. Quimioterapia con docetaxel provee un mejor soporte para los pacientes con cáncer de próstata metastásico, andrógeno independiente.

The common sites for metastasis of prostate cancer are lymphatic’s regional nodule, bladder, bones, lung, liver, a small percentile of cases are present in other localizations how retro peritoneum, mediastinum. The surgery and radiation therapy are the standard treatment for disease localizes lesions. The use of hormonal therapy is the principal oncological treatment for hormone sensitive tumors. Recently chemotherapy treatment are and therapeutic alternative for this kind of tumors. Androgenic suppression produces a decrease of the levels for specifically prostate antigen, regression of the measure mass tumors anda clinical stable period. Masculine patient of 60 years old with less differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma Gleason 10, locally advanced, underwent suppression androgenic treatment, which refer abdominal pain and increase of the hipogastric volume. The biopsy of the abdominal tumor: Metastatic less differentiated adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Chemotherapy with docetaxel improves the support for the patients with metastatic prostate cancer metastásic androgenic independence.

Short term testosterone replacement therapy improves libido and body composition / Reposição de testosterona a curto prazo melhora libido e composição corporal

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of testosterone replacement in males with late-onset hypogonadism compared to hypogonadal men without replacement, and controls, during six months. METHODS: We assessed, through ADAM, AMS, IIEF-5 and SF-36 questionnaires, and through clinical and laboratorial examinations, 62 patients divided into three groups: 17 hypogonadal males (HR) used intramuscular testosterone every three weeks; 14 hypogonadal males (HV) and 31 non-hypogonadal males (CV) used oral vitamins daily. RESULTS: When compared to others, HR group obtained libido improvement assessed by ADAM 1 (p = 0.004), and borderline sexual potency improvement assessed by IIEF-5 (p = 0.053), besides a decrease in waist circumference after eight weeks (p = 0.018). The remaining parameters did not differ between the groups. PSA and hematocrit remained stable in those using testosterone. CONCLUSION: Six months of testosterone replacement improved sexuality and body composition, with prostatic and hematological safety.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia e a segurança da reposição de testosterona em homens com hipogonadismo tardio comparados a hipogonádicos sem reposição e controles, durante seis meses. MÉTODOS: Mediante os questionários ADAM, AMS, IIEF-5 e SF-36, foram feitos exame clínico e laboratorial em 62 pacientes divididos em três grupos: 17 hipogonádicos (HR) usaram testosterona intramuscular a cada três semanas; 14 hipogonádicos (HV) e 31 não hipogonádicos (CV) usaram vitaminas via oral diariamente. RESULTADOS: Comparado aos demais, o grupo HR obteve melhora da libido avaliada pelo ADAM 1 (p = 0,004) e melhora limítrofe da potência sexual avaliada pelo IIEF-5 (p = 0.053), além de diminuição da cintura a partir da oitava semana (p = 0,018). Os demais parâmetros não foram diferentes entre os grupos. PSA e hematócrito se mantiveram estáveis nos que usaram testosterona. CONCLUSÃO: A reposição de testosterona durante seis meses melhorou a sexualidade e a composição corporal, com segurança prostática e hematológica.

Prevalência do uso de agentes anabólicos em praticantes de musculação de Porto Alegre / Prevalence of the use of anabolic agents among strength training apprentices in Porto Alegre, RS

Este estudo procura determinar, através de questionário realizado por entrevistadores, a prevalência do uso atual ou passado de esteróides anabólicos androgênicos (EAA), outros hormônios (OH), outros medicamentos (OM) e outras substâncias (suplementos alimentares e drogas ilícitas) em praticantes de musculação da cidade de Porto Alegre, entrevistando 288 indivíduos sorteados de uma amostra de 13 academias. A prevalência observada foi de 11,1 por cento (32/288) para EAA, 5,2 por cento (16/288) para OH e 4,2 por cento (12/288) para OM. Os EAA mais usados foram decanoato de nandrolona e estanozolol. Os OH foram gonadotrofina coriônica humana, triiodotironina e OM como lipostabil, diuréticos e medicamentos veterinários (ex.: Monovin E). Os efeitos colaterais mais freqüentes foram comportamentais (variação de humor, irritabilidade e agressividade) e endócrinos (acne e aumento/ diminuição da libido). Quando analisados os EAA juntamente aos OH na variável denominada "agentes hormonais" (AH), observamos diferença estatística (p< 0,05) entre os sexos, sendo o uso de AH mais prevalente em homens e entre os consumidores de suplementos alimentares. Comparar este estudo a outros é difícil, pois existe diferença no desenho epidemiológico. Entretanto, a alta prevalência observada sugere a necessidade de medidas preventivas, educativas e de cuidados na assistência desta população.

This study aimed to determine through a questionnaire applied to interviewers, the current or past use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), as well as other hormones (OH), and other medicines (OM), food supplement and illicit drugs among strength training apprentices in the city of Porto Alegre, RS. We interviewed 288 subjects draw from a sample of 13 gyms. The prevalence of current and past use of AAS was about 11.1 percent (32/288), OH 5.2 percent (16/288) and OM 4.2 percent (12/288). The most used AAS were nandrolone and stanozolol; the OH were gonadotropin, triiodothyronine (T3) and OM, like lipostabil, diuretics and veterinary medicines (Monovin E). The most frequent side-effects were behavioral such as humor oscillation, irritability and hostility, and endocrine disturbances such as acne and increased or decreased libido. When analyzed together with other hormones in a variable named "hormonal agents" (AH), AAS presented a statistical difference (p< 0.05) among genders considering that the most frequent use of AH occurred among men and those who consume food supplements. The comparison of these findings to other national and international results is difficult due to the epidemiological design. Even if it is considered, the observed prevalence suggests that preventive attitudes as well as special care in the orientation and education of this population must be taken.

Cambios ontogénicos en la reactividad cardiovascular inducidos por los esteroides androgénicos / Changes otogenics in the reactivity cardiovascular induced by those androgenic steroids

La mayor incidencia epidemiológica de eventos cardiovasculares fatales en el hombre, comparado con la mujer ha sido objeto de numerosas investigaciones para determinar el grado de influencia de la testosterona, en este efecto. Es conocido el papel protector cardiovascular de los estrógenos. La protección cardiovascular por administración de estrógenos exógenos a la mujer postmenopáusica es de un 30-40 por ciento, al compararla con las que no los reciben. Sin embargo el papel de los andrógenos es menos conocido ha... sido menos estudiado. En algunos estudios con dosis muy altas, se han encontrado que los andrógenos producen un pérfil lipídico aterogénico, aumentan la LDL y reducen la HDL, sin embargo otros estudios han demostrado un efecto antiaterogénico. Por otra parte, la testosterona aumenta la adhesividad de los monocitos a las células endoteliales humanas y estas expresan con mayor intensidad la molécula de adhesión VCAM-1. Los macrófagos humanos ex vivo a la dihidrotestosterona captan más avidamente los lípidos, efecto que no es observado al ser expuestos a estrógenos. Se ha encontrado que la testosterona aumenta la respuesta vasodilatadora dependiente e independiente del endotelio, efecto que desaparece por efecto del humo del cigarrillo o por hipercolesterolemia experimental. Sin embargo, los resultados en relación a la vasodilatación son contradictorios, ya que la privación de andrógenos (quirúrgica o farmacológicamente) en pacientes con cáncer de próstata. Se desconocen los mecanismos moleculares por lo que las andrógenos causarían vasodilatación. Un mecanismo probable por la cual la testosterona produce vasodilatación es la apertura de canales de potasio porque el efecto es antagonizado por el cloruro de bario, un bloqueante de dichos canales. Adicionalmente, se ha reportado que la vasodilatación experimental producida por esteroides andrógenicos dependiente del endotelio, en ratas es bloqueada por L-NAME; lo que sugiere que esta respuesta es mediada por el óxido nítrico. El desarrollo ontogénico de la vasodilatación dependiente del endotelio en la rata revela que esta es similar en machos y en hembras al nacer y aumenta progresivamente hasta llegar a la maduración sexual en etapa adulta; sin embargo la vasodilatación independiente del endotelio se atenúa con el desarrollo de la hembra y en el macho dicha respuesta se incrementa hasta un máximo que coincide con el desarrollo sexual determinado por la testosterona

Andropausia.¿ Mito o realidad?: terapia de reemplazo hormonal en el hombre mayor / Andropause. Myth or reality ?: hormonal replacement therapy in the aging male

Los niveles de testosterona plasmática disminuyen con el corree de los años, calculámdose que en un 20-30 por ciento de los hombres mayores de 60 años tiene valores por debajo de lo normal. Este estado de déficit ha sido denominado PADAM (deficit parcial de andrógenos en hombres de edad). Los andrógenos en el adulto actúan sobre varias estructuras, como el hueso, el músculo, la hematopoyesis y la función sexual. La terapia de reemplazo hormonal puede realizarse con medicación oral o inyectable, debiendo valorarse los riesgos potenciales, especialmente sobre próstata, lo que requiere un estricto monitoreo

Effect of oral versus intramuscular androgen on blood indices in impotent and infertile patients

Stimulatory effects of androgen on red blood cell number, hemoglobin and hematocrit value have been evaluated. This study was done to evaluate the safety of oral uptake of mesterolone and intramuscular injection of testosterone enanthate when given either to impotent or infertile men on the mean value of blood indices. This work comprised 52 patients suffering from either impotence [25 patients] or male infertility [27 patients]. Patients were divided into two groups: Mesterolone group [included patients randomized to receive 75 mg daily of oral mesterolone] and testosterone enanthate group [included patients randomized to receive 250 mg monthly of intramuscular testosterone enanthate]. Different blood indices, such as venous hematocrit value, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, were measured before and three months after administration of androgen therapy. Platelet count, red blood cells count and white blood cells count were also measured before and three months after treatment with androgen. Also, serum testosterone was measured before and at the end of the treatment period. According to the results, it was concluded that mean values of blood indices were significantly increased after administration of both oral and injectable androgen hence, the danger of hemoconcentration may developed. Intramuscular testosterone enanthate is safe on blood indices than oral mesterolone

Evaluación integral hormonal de mujeres con hiperandrogenismo (utilidad del estímulo con ACTH de depósito)

En el presente trabajo evaluamos hormonalmente, durante un año, 51 mujeres con evidencia de hiperandrogemismo endógeno y 15 controles sanas, que acudieron al servicio de endocrinología del Hospital Militar Central de Santafé de Bogotá, mediante estimulación con ACTH de depósito (synacthén depósito, Ciba Geigy) para conocer con qué frecuencia se encontraba síndrome de ovario androgénico, hiperplasia adrenal congénita no clásica, hiperprolactinemia e hiperandrogenismos idiopáticos.

Histological and histochemical changes in the prostate glands of male albino rats after repeated injections of the androgenic hormone [dehydroepiandrosterone]

The effect of dehydroepi and rosterone hormone was studied in male albino rats. They were divided into four groups. Five of them were control [group 1], 10 were biopsied from the prostate gland 2 months after injections by one therapeutic dose [group 2]. Another 10 animals were biopsied after 2 months injections by double therapeutic dose [group 3] and the last 10 rats were injected by triple therapeutic dose [group 4]. Animals of group 2 showed edema of the connective tissue with shrunken acini. Animals of group 3 presented by dilated acini, congested blood vessels, thin, separated connective tissue fibers and areas of starting stratification. In group 4 there was hypertrophy, hyperplasia and metaplasia of the epithelial cells. Mitotic figures, hyperchromatic nuclei edematous connective tissue and dilated blood vessels were also noticed. Histochemically, acid phosphatase enzyme activity was increased in group 2 and showed areas of diminished activity in groups 3 and 4, while alkaline phosphatase enzyme showed increased activity in all groups. So, it was concluded that people who self administer large doses of and rogenic hormone for body build may induce abnormal histological and histochemical changes in the prostate gland

Sex-related differences in cardiovascular responses to common carotid occlusion in conscious rats

Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were determined in conscious, unrestrained groups of 10 male, female and androgenized female Wistar rats 20 s (early pressor response) and 1 min (late sustained response) after bilateral carotid artery occlusion. The early pressor response, which is carotid reflex origin, was 40% greater in female than in male rats (45 ñ 2 vs 63 ñ 3 mmHg, respectively). The late sustained response, which is of central origin (probably ischemic), did not differ between male and female rats (32 ñ 2 vs 37 ñ 4 mmHg, respectively). The magnitude of the early pressor response of androgenized female rats (50 ñ 2 mmHg) was similar to that of male rats (45 ñ 2 mmHg) but the late sustained response was 19% smaller (26 ñ 2 mmHg). Common carotid occlusion caused increases in haert rate which were greater in female (51 ñ 9 and 34 ñ 9 beats/min in the early pressor response and late sustained response respectively) than in male rats (31 ñ 5 and 8 ñ 4 beats/min, respectively). In androgenized female rats, heart rate decreased during common carotid occlusion (34 ñ 7 and 35 ñ 8 beats/min after 20 s and 1 min, respectively). These data provide evidence that there are substantial sex-related differences in the cardiovascular responses to common carotid occlusion in conscoious rats and indicate that administration of androgens to newborn female rats affects the baroreceptor reflex control of their arterial pressure