Study of various transforming effects of the anabolic agents trenbolone and testosterone on Syrian hamster embryo cells.

Trenbolone, a synthetic androgen together with testosterone, a natural androgen, were studied comparatively for their transforming effects on Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells. The data indicated that both androgens exhibited weak positive complete transforming activities without a dose response relationship. Trenbolone is more toxic than testosterone when the concentrations tested are higher than 10 micrograms/ml, but is less able to transform SHE cells. Medium H21 offers a higher transformation frequency than medium H16. Their transforming effect can be amplified by TPA. However, both products can also reduce the transforming effect of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) either in sequential treatment or when mixed together. The transforming effects of the two androgens including TPA effects can be inhibited completely by dexamethasone, which suggests that such transformation in SHE cells is an epigenetic effect. In conclusion, trenbolone and testosterone themselves exhibit a weak transforming effect on SHE cells, predominantly as promoting potential, especially when associated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate, which is related to hormonal action. They also exhibit weak anti-transforming effects when associated with B[a]P.