Inhibition Of 5α-Reductase Attenuates Behavioral Effects Of D1-, But Not D2-Like Receptor Agonists In C57BL/6 Mice

The study investigated the effects of the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride (FIN) on dopamine receptor agonist-induced behaviors in C57BL/6 mice. FIN was found to reduce the prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits and rearing responses caused by the D1-like receptor agonist SKF-82958, but it did not affect the hyperlocomotion or startle reflex. Interestingly, FIN combined with the D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole (QUIN) led to significant gating and startle deficits. These results suggested that FIN differentially modulated the effects of D1- and D2-like receptor agonists, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders involving dopamine dysregulation. The study involved 253 male adult C57BL/6 mice.