Anastrozole Eliminates the Improvement Effects of Nandrolone on Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity in Adolescent Male Rats

Background: Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) is one of the most popular androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS(s)) compounds that is widely abused during adolescence. Despite clear evidence about the effects of ND on hippocampal synaptic plasticity, its complex underlying mechanisms of action have remained elusive. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of P450 aromatase in the mediation of ND effects on hippocampal CA1 synaptic plasticity during adolescence in male rats. Material and Methods: In the present study, the rats were divided into four groups: Control group received DMSO, while other experimental groups received ND (60 mu g/2.5 mu L), anastrozole (1 mu g/2.5 mu L), and co-adminstration of anastrozole (1 mu g/2.5 mu L) and ND (60 mu g/2.5 mu L) for 4 days. Then, Field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) and Population spikes (PS) magnitudes were investigated in the hippocampal CA1 area. Results: Electrophysiological results indicated higher fEPSP-LTP magnitude in the ND-treated group compared to DMSO-treated group (P < 0.05). Also, the results of field potential recording showed that anastrozole alone had not a significant effect on fEPSP-LTP magnitude, while pre-administration of anastrozole abolished the ND improvement effects on fEPSP-LTP magnitude. Conclusion: This study presented evidence supporting the involvement of aromatase in improvement effects of ND on hippocampal synaptic plasticity in adolescent male rats.