Increased aggressive responding in male volunteers following the administration of gradually increasing doses of testosterone cypionate

Drug Alcohol Depend. 1995 Nov;40(1):73-9. doi: 10.1016/0376-8716(95)01192-7.

Abstract

The present study assessed the effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on aggressive responding in a controlled laboratory setting. Eight male subjects received gradually increasing doses of testosterone cypionate (150 mg/week for two weeks, 300 mg/week for two weeks, and 600 mg/week for two weeks) or placebo using a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design. Subjects were tested both before and after the series of injections. During the experimental session subjects could press a button to accumulate points exchangeable for money (non-aggressive response) or press another button to subtract points from a fictitious opponent (aggressive response). Aggressive responding was instigated by subtracting points from the subject which was attributable to the fictitious opponent. Testosterone administration resulted in a significantly higher number of aggressive responding compared to placebo.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / drug effects*
  • Anabolic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Testosterone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Testosterone / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anabolic Agents
  • Testosterone
  • testosterone 17 beta-cypionate