TLDR 5α-reductase affects dopamine receptors linked to sensorimotor gating, which may help understand disorders like schizophrenia.
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.
24 citations
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May 2015 in “Schizophrenia Research” A drug improved schizophrenia-like symptoms in stressed rats by changing brain steroid levels.
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June 2013 in “Journal of neuroendocrinology” Neuroactive steroids and the enzyme 5α-reductase might be involved in the development of Tourette's syndrome.
42 citations
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August 2012 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride reduces certain behaviors caused by D1-like receptor agonists but not by D2-like receptor agonists in mice.
53 citations
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October 2011 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride may help improve certain brain function issues linked to dopamine.
46 citations
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May 2011 in “Movement Disorders” Finasteride reduces Tourette syndrome symptoms, but results may be limited due to potential biases.
72 citations
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January 2011 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” S5αR inhibitors might help treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders but need more research.
17 citations
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May 2008 in “Pharmacopsychiatry” Finasteride improved symptoms in a schizophrenia patient.
64 citations
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March 2008 in “Neuropsychopharmacology” 
42 citations
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December 2007 in “American Journal of Psychiatry” Finasteride may effectively reduce Tourette's syndrome symptoms and improve life quality.
12 citations
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April 2018 in “Physiology & Behavior” Finasteride raises suicide-linked aggression and stops clozapine's positive effects in schizophrenia animals.
18 citations
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March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
24 citations
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January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Hormonal treatment is effective for women with acne not helped by usual treatments, especially if they have hormonal imbalances.
15 citations
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January 2017 in “Experimental Neurology” Finasteride reduces movement issues in Parkinson's disease rats.
14 citations
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February 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Mice lacking steroid 5α-reductase 2 show less aggression and better impulse control.
