Testosterone implantation reduces the motor effects of cocaine

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Abstract
The abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids noted in recent years has been correlated with an increased likelihood of abuse of other drugs, including cocaine. This research was designed to investigate whether manipulation of androgen levels would alter the unconditioned behavioral effects of cocaine. The influence of testosterone on the locomotor activating effect of oral cocaine was evaluated. Subjects were male gonadally intact and castrated Wistar rats, implanted s.c. with either placebo or 100mg testosterone 30-day pellets. Beginning 7 days after pellet implantation, each animal in the four subgroups randomly received 0, 20, 40 and 80mg/kg cocaine (once, each dose). Cocaine 80mg/kg significantly enhanced locomotor activity in all groups except the intact testosterone-treated group. Of the four groups, this subgroup would have the highest plasma level of testosterone. These data suggest that chronic exogenous androgen administration may reduce the behavioral effects of cocaine.

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