Androgen dependence in hamsters: overdose, tolerance, and potential opioidergic mechanisms.

摘要: Abstract Anabolic steroids are drugs of abuse. However, the potential for steroid reward and addiction remains largely unexplored. This study used i.c.v. testosterone self-administration controlled infusions or vehicle in hamsters to explore central mechanisms androgen overdose. Forty-two nose-pokes self-administer 1 μg/μl 4 h/day an operant chamber. During 1–56 days self-administration, 10 (24%) died. Deaths correlated with peak daily intake testosterone. Of that self-administered a P >0.05). The depressive effects infusion blocked by opioid antagonist, naltrexone. With naltrexone pre-treatment (10 mg/kg s.c.), locomotion (183.7±1.8 crossings/10 min), respiration (116.9±0.3 breaths/min), body temperature (36.1±0.4 °C) during were equivalent controls. Likewise, prevents reinforcing self-administration. These results indicate at high doses causes autonomic depression, which may be factor deaths As well, large quantities mediated, least part, opioidergic mechanism.