Description
The steroid hormone testosterone belongs to the androgens, which are produced in the testicles, adrenal cortex, and in small quantities also in the ovary. Besides testosterone, androstenedione and androsterone are of importance in this group. The androgens stimulate the development of male sexual organs as well as the differentiation of the secondary male sex characteristics. Steroid hormones are used since some decades to enhance the growth of cattle and other animals. Hormones employed can be endogenous ones (testosterone, progesterone, estradiol) or synthetic products. Since the hormones show side-effects when ingested with the meat, e.g. genotoxic, neurobiologic and carcinogenic effects, the risks for the consuming persons should be estimated. In contrast to the USA, where the use of sex hormones as implantates is allowed, in the European Union all substances, which lead to an enhancement of natural growth, are forbidden (88/146/EEC and 96/22/EC). These guidelines imply an obligation to monitor these hormones and their metabolites in animals and animal products. Control methods like special gaschromatographic procedures have been established. The ELISA belongs to the most sensitive procedures and can detect residues down to 0.1 ng/mL (100 ppt)