Sustanon Administration Induces Satellite Cell Proliferation and Giant Fiber Formation in Growing Skeletal Muscle without Exercise

Abstract

Sustanon is one of the most commonly used anabolic androgenic drugs to increase skeletal muscle mass and strength. This drug is a blend of four esterized testosterone derivatives: testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, and testosterone decanoate. Little is known about the effects of this drug on skeletal muscle at the cellular level. This study aimed to investigate the influence of Sustanon on the morphology of skeletal muscle fibers and the distribution of myogenic satellite cells (SCs) during postnatal growth. We hypothesized that Sustanon‐induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy is associated with an increase in the number of SCs. Robust immunocytochemical techniques and morphometric analyses were used to calculate the numbers of SCs and myonuclei within pectoralis muscle of the chicken. Sustanon significantly increased pectoralis mass and fiber size. All SC indices and the number of myonuclei increased significantly by Sustanon administration. This study indicates that Sustanon can induce hypertrophy and increases the numbers of SCs and myonuclei in skeletal muscle fibers without imposed exercise. Funds for this study were provided by a grant from the Deanship of Research at Jordan University of Science & Technology.Grant Funding Source: Jordan University of Science & Technology