ents in which they contended,and the drugs that helped them to achieve these few momentsof glory. There is no test yet for a genetically engineeredsubstance called hGH, which has been available since 1985. This substance controls the release of IGF-1, which helpsmaintain growth rates from birth to adulthood. It works byreducing protein breakdown and stimulating cell production. Studies in ice have shown that IGF-1 increased musclestrength up to 27%, and even at a cost of $3,000.00 permonth. It also has a half-life of only 17 to 45 minutes, soit flushes from the system in short order while its effectslinger. It is a banned substance, but since there is notest for this substance and it produces a “Mighty Mouse”effect, many athletes feel the trade off is worth it. (Sullivan, 33) However, we do not know much about the longterm side effects of this drug. We do know, however, thatthis drug was originally intended for growth-hormonedeficiency to help children with dwarfism. This is atypical example of a research based drug that is intendedone thing being used for a totally different thing. Theproblem is that its use among athletes has not been studiedfor amount of dosage, the time intervals betweenadministration of the substance, and any ill effects thatmay occur at a much later date. Another new wave of drug enhancers is what is referredto as blood substitutes. These are artificial hemoglobin,which were originally designed to alleviate the need fortransfusions in surgery and to help patients in hemorrhageshock. The brand name of this drug is called Hemopure. Itliterally contains no red cells but consists ofultrapurified, modified bovine hemoglobin suspended in asalt solution. (Sullivan, 34). It has been used in clinicaltrials in the United States, but not enough research hasbeen done to determine the safety of its use for athletes. It has also found its way to the black market. Those who dotake the these “arti...
