The Neurosteroidogenic Enzyme 5α-Reductase Modulates the Role of D1 Dopamine Receptors in Rat Sensorimotor Gating

The study investigated the role of the enzyme 5α-reductase in modulating dopamine receptor activity related to sensorimotor gating in rats. Using 390 Sprague–Dawley and 102 Long–Evans rats, researchers found that the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride countered prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits induced by D1 receptor agonists in Long–Evans rats, but not D2 receptor agonists. In Sprague–Dawley rats, finasteride prevented PPI deficits and reduced accumbal dopamine levels caused by D3 receptor activation, but not D2. These findings suggested that 5α-reductase played a role in modulating the effects of D1 and D3 receptors on sensorimotor gating, which could have implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome.