A review of current chemistry, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous anabolic steroids testosterone, boldenone, and nandrolone in horses.
J Vet Pharmacol Ther
; 46(4): 201-217, 2023 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37264491
ABSTRACT
Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgens). These agents promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects). Anabolic steroids have been illegally used for many years as performance-enhancing drugs in human, equine, and canine sports and as growth promoters in livestock reared to provide meat for human consumption. The analytical challenge to developing effective means of control within these fields has been exacerbated by the reported endogenous nature of some of these steroids. Anabolic steroids have been employed extensively in equine practice over the past 50 years. Their usefulness is largely dependent on subjective opinions, as only minimal studies investigating pharmacodynamics have been carried out in horses. Therefore, their use will vary markedly between practitioners depending on their personal experiences and pressures by trainers to use them. They form part of rational therapy in a variety of conditions. In addition to their use for increasing muscle mass, they are used to varying extents in the raising of yearlings and in the training and racing of horses with the view of improving performance. The use of these agents is prohibited in the horseracing industry by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Doping in Sports
/
Anabolic Agents
/
Nandrolone
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
J Vet Pharmacol Ther
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States