Summary
Six anabolic steroids were assessed for their ability to enhance plasma fibrinolytic
activity in males with ischaemic heart disease. Five 17α-alkylated steroids (Ethyloestrenol,
Norethandrolone, Methandienone, Methylandrostenediol and Oxymetholone) were examined
and all produced a significant increase in plasma plasminogen activator as measured
by the euglobulin lysis time. The only non-17α-alkylated steroid studied (Methenolone
acetate) failed to enhance fibrinolysis. The 17α-alkylated steroids studied all deserve
more detailed evaluation of their long term effects on plasma fibrinolytic activity.