Age-related effects on the zona glomerulosa cells of the rat adrenal cortex

Zona glomerulosa cells of the rat adrenal cortex were studied at 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Adrenals from unstimulated rats were processed for light and electron microscopy and trunk blood was obtained for the assay of plasma renin activity and aldosterone. Similar assays were made in rats stimulated with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 30 min before sacrifice. At light microscopy, no major structural changes were observed; the ultrastructure of most organelles was well preserved and the presence of lipofuscin granules in older animals was remarkable. Acid phosphatase activity was observed in lysosomes and some lipofuscin granules. The quantitative study showed an age-related decrease in cell and nuclear volume (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively) and an increase in volume density of lipid droplets, lipofuscin granules (p < 0.001), lysosomes and Golgi complex; a decrease in volume density of mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (p = 0.052) was also observed. Plasma renin activity and aldosterone level were both reduced (p < 0.001). In stimulated animals, an enhanced aldosterone level was obtained which was higher at 12 months and decreased thereafter. These results show an age-related decrease of aldosterone secretion, consistent with structural and ultrastructural data and related to plasma renin decrement. They also show a decline in the response to aldosterone stimulation by ACTH, indicating a lesser functional ability of zona glomerulosa cells in old animals.     

Beyond Performance Enhancement: Polypharmacy among Collegiate Users of Steroids

Abstract

The extremely low prevalence of steroid use among college students makes it virtually impossible to conduct analyses on any single college campus. By studying a cohort of 58,625 college students from 78 institutions that administered the Core Alcohol and Drug Survey in 1990 and 1991, a critical mass of 175 users on which it was possible to conduct statistical analyses was identified. Compared with a randomly selected group of nonusers, the steroid users reported consuming dramatically more alcohol and demonstrated higher rates of binge drinking. In addition, a significantly higher percentage of steroid users reported using tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, hallucinogens, opiates, inhalants, and designer drugs. A higher percentage of steroid users than nonusers also reported experiencing negative consequences as a result of substance abuse, and a greater percentage of the steroid users reported family histories of abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Implications from the standpoint of student development are discussed.     

Gonadal steroids and visuo-spatial abilities in adult males: Implications for generalized age-related cognitive decline

The relationship between the gonadal steroids, testosterone and estrogen, and individual and group differences in performance on some cognitive tasks remains unclear but sex differences favoring males on some tests of visuo-spatial ability are large and robust. This aim of this review is to assess evidence for both organizational and activational effects of gonadal steroids as the principle cause of sex difference in visuo-spatial ability. Additionally, the implications of this relationship are discussed in the context of decreasing levels of gonadal steroids in aging males and psychological theories of generalized age-related cognitive decline. Based upon human and non-human research gonadal steroids have organizational effects on visuo-spatial ability in adulthood. Activational effects of gonadal steroids on visuo-spatial ability appear most dominant in older men and are necessary for maintaining optimal visuo-spatial ability; randomized clinical trials show that testosterone supplementation improves performance. Additionally, decreasing gonadal steroid levels in aging males may contribute to generalized age-related cognitive decline. Future supplementation studies in men should attempt to control for constituent abilities related to visuo-spatial task performance, and investigate interactions between dosage levels and baseline gonadal status. Further future animal research is required to investigate changes in gonadal steroid levels and their relationship to neurotransmitter systems, neural plasticity, and behavioral correlates.     

‘Steroids,it’s so much an identity thing!’ perceptions of steroid use,risk and masculine body image

This paper explores how taste and distaste, body image and masculinity play into young people’s perceptions of risk related to steroid use. Data are drawn from a qualitative study on risk-taking among 52 Danish youths enrolled in high school or vocational training. A number of ‘risky’ practices such as drug use, fights, speeding, etc. were discussed. In contrast to these practices, which were primarily described in relation to ‘physical risks’, steroid use was understood as part of an ‘identity’ or ‘lifestyle’ in a way these other risks were not. Few interviewees had used steroids, and the large majority distanced themselves from the practice. Reasons for not wanting to use steroids were related to (1) perceiving the drug to be part of a broader lifestyle and identity that they are not interested in committing to or embodying and (2) finding the body image, physicality and associations with steroid use ‘fake’, ‘gross’ and distasteful. We draw on recent developments in feminist sociological theory related to the gendered body as both a performance and process to understand steroid use as a practice through which the body and self is produced. More than a one-dimensional ‘risky’ practice, we argue that gendered and embodied identities are crucial to understanding the dynamics of steroid use.     

Keynote Address

Abstract

Because of the increasing prevalence of eating disorders in college populations, it is increasingly important for student health services to identify affected individuals. Therefore, the authors analyzed the student health forms of member schools of the New York State College Health Association for the presence of items that would identify an eating disorder. Directors of health services that include specific questions about eating disorders on health forms were then surveyed for their opinions about this practice.

Specific items about eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia, vomiting to lose weight, laxative use to lose weight) were included on 5 of 111 forms. Less specific items including dissatisfaction with weight, being on a diet, or binge eating appeared on 10% of forms.

Approximately one-third of the students known by health service staffs to have an eating disorder reported this on their health form, when provided a specific opportunity to do so. Even though underreporting by students is potentially a problem in such circumstances, the health service directors all recommended the inclusion of items relating to eating disorders on student health forms.

“Human Papillomavirus Type 16 and Early Cervical Neoplasia,” CHRISTOPHER P. CRUM, et al. Flat warts (condylomata) of the uterine cervix are sometimes cytologically atypical and have abnormal mitotic figures; they are thought to be possible precursors of cancer of the cervix. Flat warts are caused by any of a number of types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs), one of which (HPV 16) has been previously associated with invasive cancer of the cervix. To determine whether HPV 16 is also associated with flat warts with abnormal mitoses, we analyzed 23 flat warts by DNA-hybridization techniques for the presence of HPV 16 and other HPV types, and correlated the results with the histology. Of 10 lesions with abnormal mitotic figures, 7 contained HPV 16, and 1 contained another type of HPV. Of 13 lesions without abnormal mitotic figures, only 1 contained HPV 16, and 7 contained other types of HPV.

We conclude that the presence of HPV 16 correlates with the presence of abnormal mitotic figures in flat warts of the cervix, and that this type of flat wart is a precursor of invasive cancer of the cervix. (New England Journal of Medicine 1984;310:880–3.)     

Eating Disorder Risk and Body Dissatisfaction Based on Muscularity and Body Fat in Male University Students

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between risk of eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and perceptual attractiveness in male university students. Participants: Research was conducted January–April 2012 and involved 339 male and 441 female students. Methods: Eating disorder risk was assessed with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and body dissatisfaction and perceptual attractiveness determined with the Bodybuilder Image Grid (BIG). Results: There was a positive correlation (r = .16, p < .01) between the EAT and fat dissatisfaction and a negative correlation (r = ?.14, p < .05) for muscle dissatisfaction, 28% of the males had an EAT score indicating that they were at risk for an eating disorder. Males chose a significantly more muscular and leaner body type than what females chose to be attractive. Conclusion: College-aged males may be at risk for eating disorders based on distortions in their perceived ideal body image, both for fat and muscle.