THE EFFECTS OF ANABOLIC-STEROIDS ON RAT TENDON - AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL, BIOMECHANICAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL-ANALYSIS

Forty-eight male rats were randomly separated into four groups: a cont rol group, a group treated with anabolic steroids, a group treated wit h daily exercise, and a group treated with both steroids and exercise. At 6 weeks, biomechanical, ultrastructural, and biochemical testing w as performed on the Achilles tendons of half of the rats in each group . The remaining rats continued in the experimental protocol, but stero id administration was discontinued. Similar testing was then performed on the remaining rats at 12 weeks. Testing showed anabolic steroids p roduced a stiffer tendon that absorbs less energy and fails with less elongation; tendon strength was unaffected. Effects were entirely reve rsible on discontinuation of the steroids. Light microscopic analysis revealed no changes in the appearance of the fibrils. No change in fib ril diameter or shape was noted on electron microscopic analysis. Bioc hemical testing revealed no change in qualitative immunofluorescence s taining with Type III collagen or fibronectin. Abuse of anabolic stero ids is a widespread problem among competitive athletes, consequently, complications after their use are seen with increasing frequency. Know ledge of the effects of these drugs on tendon and the musculotendinous unit may prove helpful in counseling athletes who use anabolic steroi ds.