Anabolic Doping Agents

Abstract

This chapter discusses the different types of doping agents that have been used since the pre-Christian era, such as hallucinogenic mushrooms and alcohol, up to those currently used by athletes today. Today, articles 2.1 through 2.8 of the World Anti-Doping Code, define doping as the violation of one or more of these articles through the use of prohibited substances or methods. In the present discussion on anabolic doping agents, the classes of banned substances covered include stimu- lants, anabolic agents, peptide hormones, and ?2 -adrenoceptor agonists, as well as masking and antiestrogenic agents. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology of these substances will be discussed along with some potential historical consequences of the use of certain doping agents by both axis and allied forces during World War II, and the terrible consequences that might be attributed to their use. Keywords?