Inhibition of 5α-Reduced Steroid Biosynthesis Impedes Acquisition of Ethanol Drinking in Male C57BL/6J Mice

The study investigated the effects of the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride (FIN) on ethanol consumption in male C57BL/6J mice. The research aimed to determine if FIN could reduce the acquisition of ethanol drinking in ethanol-naïve mice. Mice were divided into three groups: vehicle control, 50 mg/kg FIN, and 100 mg/kg FIN. The results showed that FIN dose-dependently blocked the acquisition of ethanol drinking and prevented the development of ethanol preference. This effect was primarily due to a reduction in the frequency of drinking bouts, with no changes in bout size, duration, or lick rates. Even after two weeks post-treatment, mice treated with FIN continued to show reduced ethanol consumption, despite a recovery in brain allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels. The study concluded that FIN and similar pharmacological interventions targeting the GABAergic system might be effective in reducing ethanol intake in individuals at risk.