Neurovascular Response during Exercise and Mental Stress in Anabolic Steroid Users.

Purpose: Increased resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and lower forearm blood flow (FBF) were observed in young men who use anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). However, the response of MSNA and FBF in AAS users triggered by muscle mechanoreflex and central command has never been tested. Additionally, we evaluated the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) responses during these maneuvers. Methods: Nineteen AAS users (AASU) aged 31+/-6 yr and 18 AAS nonusers (AASNU) aged 29+/-4 yr were recruited. All participants were involved in strength training. AAS use was determined with a urine test (liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry). MSNA was measured with the microneurography technique. FBF was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. BP was measured with an automatic oscillometric device. HR was recorded continuously through ECG. Isometric handgrip exercise was performed at 30% of the maximum voluntary contraction for 3 minutes; and mental stress was elicited by the Stroop color-word test for 4 minutes. Results: The MSNA and FBF responses during exercise were similar between AASU and AASNU, with a trend toward higher MSNA (bursts/min; P=0.084) and lower forearm vascular conductance (FVC, units; P=0.084) in AASU than AASNU. During mental stress, AASU showed a significantly higher MSNA (P

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