Behavioural anxiolytic effects of low-dose anabolic androgenic steroid treatment in rats

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in supratherapeutic doses has been associated with aggressive behaviour as well as with severe affective and psychotic symptoms. These symptoms usually follow a chronic exposure f or several months. However, AAS also may have milder effects with hypomania -like features such as an increase in confidence, energy and self-esteem. W e have studied the short-term effects on male rat behaviour in a modified o pen-field test of the AAS Metenolon administered three times at a low dose (0.01 mg/kg/week X 3). The control rats showed indications of increased tim idity and aversive learning following retesting, a reaction that was absent in the AAS-treated rats. The AAS-treated rats showed less fear or anticipa tory anxiety compared to control animals. Furthermore, the suppressed marki ng behaviour and altered morphological allometric relationships were compat ible with a modified social and sexual competence in the AAS treated rats. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.