Pathology of the testicle and sex accessory glands following the administration of boldenone and boldione as growth promoters in veal calves.

Abstract

Boldenone and its precursor Boldione are illegally used for anabolic purposes in humans, horses and cattle. To develop more effective policies and programs to maximize food security, Italian Public Health Services investigate all indicators capable of assisting the recognition of treated animals, and prioritize research and the formulation of action strategies for the promotion of healthy eating. Thus, an experimental administration of boldenone and boldione at anabolic dosages in veal calves was carried out to evaluate the changes in target organs by qualitative and semi-quantitative morphological analysis. The lesions resembled the effects already observed after the administration of androgen hormones to cattle. Main findings were represented by prostate hypersecretion, increased rate of apoptotic cells and decreased rate of Ki67 positive cells in the germ cell line of treated animals, particularly in boldione group and finally some new features like hypertrophy of the prostate urothelial cells.

• Authors: Francesca T Cannizzo, Gabriele Zancanaro, Francesca Spada, Chiara Mulasso, Bartolomeo Biolatti
• Journal: The Journal of veterinary medical science (J Vet Med Sci) Vol. 69 Issue 11 Pg. 1109-16 (Nov 2007) ISSN: 0916-7250 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 18057824 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anabolic Agents
• Androstadienes
• 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione
• Testosterone
• boldenone

Topics

• Anabolic Agents (adverse effects)
• Androstadienes (adverse effects)
• Animals
• Bulbourethral Glands (drug effects, pathology)
• Cattle
• Cattle Diseases (chemically induced, pathology)
• Male
• Prostate (drug effects, pathology)
• Testicular Diseases (chemically induced, pathology, veterinary)
• Testis (drug effects, pathology)
• Testosterone (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Urethra (drug effects, pathology)