tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534576097532889177.post9190559653988495088..comments2023-10-29T06:41:54.394-04:00Comments on Bitter Laughter: The Ascendence of "Doping"Timhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09795725319680877738noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4534576097532889177.post-58261662693073656592007-08-11T07:57:00.000-04:002007-08-11T07:57:00.000-04:00TimI believe doping is used as a shortened version...Tim<BR/><BR/>I believe doping is used as a shortened version of the term "blood doping", or the practice of receiving blood transfusions in order to raise the athlete's red blood cell count higher than average, and increase their endurance through better oxygen capacity. It was a more common method of cheating in endurance sport than 'game' sports because the muscle mass induced by anabolic steroids can be a detriment to a distance cyclist or marathon runner. Because it was not a drug, it was not termed as such, but I think the 'doping' was used rather than 'transfusion' to imply that it was for illicit purpose.<BR/><BR/>I say was, because synthetic erythropoetin, I believe, largely supplanted actual blood transfusions. EPO, as it is abbreviated, is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that causes the body to make more red blood cells. You would have a rise in this hormone under conditions such as significant blood loss, or moving to a mountainous area with less oxygen. It works slowly, though, so the athletes would have to inject it for months. But it certainly is a drug.<BR/><BR/>I don't keep up with this issue, but I believe they are now able to detect synthetic EPO vs. natural. I don't know if this has led to a return to the old methods or not.<BR/><BR/>Regardless, I agree that it is a silly, non-specific word that doesn't really make clear what the issue is.<BR/><BR/>GKGaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12592776951996508779noreply@blogger.com