Anabolic steroids and aggressive behavior in cynomolgus monkeys.

An animal model was employed to examine the effect of testosterone on aggressive behavior patterns. Ten cynomolgus monkeys were assigned to either an experimental or a control group and given biweekly injections; the experimental group received testosterone propionate, and the controls a sham solution. Prior to and upon the completion of an 8-week treatment period, behavioral observations were conducted. Although the administration of testosterone resulted in a significant increase in aggression, more important was the finding that changes in behavior were mediated by social status; that is, the incidence of both contact and noncontact aggression in dominant monkeys was far greater than the frequency of these behaviors in subordinate monkeys. These data are discussed in terms of the potential role of anabolic steroids as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease.