5α-Reductase Isoenzymes Mediate Stress-Exacerbated Tourette-Like Responses in Animal Models

The study explored the role of 5α-reductase isoenzymes in stress-exacerbated Tourette-like responses in animal models. It was found that stress increased tic-like behaviors and deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI), which were mitigated by the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride, suggesting a role for 3α, 5α steroids like allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone was shown to exacerbate tic-like behaviors and induce PPI deficits, potentially through the pregnane xenobiotic receptor and the purinergic P2X4 receptor. The study also indicated that 5α-reductase type 1 might be a more beneficial and safer target for inhibition than type 2 in managing Tourette syndrome-like symptoms.