TLDR The enzyme 5α-reductase is key in causing psychotic-like effects from sleep deprivation.
The study investigated the role of the enzyme 5α-reductase (5αR) in the psychotic-like complications of acute sleep deprivation (SD) in rats. It was found that SD increased 5αR expression and activity, as well as levels of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) in the prefrontal cortex. Administration of the 5αR inhibitor finasteride reduced SD-induced behavioral and neuroendocrine alterations, such as PPI deficits, hyperactivity, and risk-taking behaviors, similar to the effects of antipsychotic and mood stabilizer drugs. Additionally, allopregnanolone exacerbated, while progesterone attenuated, PPI deficits in SD-subjected rats. These findings suggested that 5αR plays a significant role in mediating the psychosis- and mania-like effects of SD through neuroactive steroid imbalances in the cortex.
24 citations
,
May 2015 in “Schizophrenia Research” A drug improved schizophrenia-like symptoms in stressed rats by changing brain steroid levels.
35 citations
,
April 2012 in “Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology” Finasteride reduces gambling symptoms in Parkinson's patients.
53 citations
,
October 2011 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Finasteride may help improve certain brain function issues linked to dopamine.
46 citations
,
May 2011 in “Movement Disorders” Finasteride reduces Tourette syndrome symptoms, but results may be limited due to potential biases.
48 citations
,
January 2011 in “Neuropharmacology” Isolation stress in rats reduces brain enzyme levels, affecting dopamine function.
72 citations
,
January 2011 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” S5αR inhibitors might help treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders but need more research.
17 citations
,
May 2008 in “Pharmacopsychiatry” Finasteride improved symptoms in a schizophrenia patient.
64 citations
,
March 2008 in “Neuropsychopharmacology”
59 citations
,
November 2018 in “Psychoneuroendocrinology” Lower levels of certain brain chemicals are linked to worse PTSD symptoms in men.
23 citations
,
July 2003 in “Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior” Finasteride blocks progesterone's effect on absence seizures in rats.
