Association between neuronal degeneration and supraphysiological doses of two types of anabolic steroids in rat brain

•The anabolic androgenic steroids are compounds that are precursors or derivatives of testosterone.•AAS are compounds used indiscriminately by gym goers.•Testosterone Cypionate and Nandrolone Decanoate drastically reduce neuronal density in thelocus coeruleus.•The possible cause of neuronal death is necrosis, caused by intracellular calcium imbalance.