Effect of Anabolic Steroids on Plasma Antithrombin III
SummaryThe effect of seven different anabolic steroids (Ethyloestrenol, Methenolone acetate, Norethandrolone, Methylandrostenediol, Oxymetholone, Methandienone, and Stanozolol) on three α-globulin antiprotease inhibitors of thrombin and plasmin was studied in men with ischaemic heart disease. In distinct contrast to the oral contraceptives, five of the six 17-α-alkylated anabolic steroids studied produced increased plasma Antithrombin III levels and five produced decreased levels of plasma α2-macroglobulin. The effect on plasma α1antitrypsin levels was less clear-cut but three of the steroids examined produced significantly elevated levels. The increased plasma fibrinolytic activity which the 17-α-alkylated anabolic steroids induce is therefore unlikely to be secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation.