EFFECTS OF A MIXTURE OF 2 ANABOLIC-ANDROGENIC STEROIDS ON OFFENSIVE BEHAVIORS OF INTACT MALE-MICE

Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abusers frequently report increases in irritability and aggression. They usually take a 'cocktail' of two or more steroids, although most studies carried out on this subject ha ve only used one substance. Our aim was to investigate the effects of several doses of a 'cocktail' of AAS on offensive behaviours of intact male mice using an isolation-induced aggression model and an ethophar macological technique. 24 h after the injection, social encounters bet ween an experimental mouse and an anosmic opponent were observed in a neutral area. There were no significant effects on offensive behaviour although in previous studies both substances had produced effects aft er being administered separately. There was also a different dose-depe ndent response pattern in threat and attack, a finding that agrees wit h other results. The influence of ASS on aggressive behaviour of gonad ally intact males is more subtle than in castrated animals.