Inhibiting 5α-reductase in the amygdala attenuates antianxiety and antidepressive behavior of naturally receptive and hormone-primed ovariectomized rats

摘要: Greater incidence of anxiety and depressive disorders women compared to men may be due in part progesterone (P) its neuroactive metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), acting limbic regions, such as the amygdala. If P's metabolism via 5α-reduction 3α,5α-THP amygdala is critical for antianxiety antidepressive behavior, then blocking 5α-reductase female rats likely attenuate effects high progestin levels from both endogenous exogenous sources. Naturally receptive with estrogen (E2) P ovariectomized (ovx) administered E2 (10 μg) (500 μg) subcutaneously were finasteride (10 μg/μl), a Type II inhibitor, or vehicle Anxiety behavior (open field, elevated plus maze, defensive freezing) (Porsolt forced swim test) assessed. There similar administration naturally ovx, hormone-primed rats. Finasteride significantly decreased central entries open arm time increased freezing response footshock, spent immobile vehicle. Thus, formation subsequent actions important effects.