The 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Dutasteride but Not Finasteride Protects Dopamine Neurons in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
May 2015
in “
Neuropharmacology
”
Studysummary This study found that Dutasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, demonstrated neuroprotective effects by preventing the MPTP-induced decline of dopaminergic markers in a Parkinson's disease mouse model.
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The study found that Dutasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, protected dopamine neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease, while Finasteride had no effect. Dutasteride prevented the loss of dopamine uptake and storage, and also prevented the decrease in plasma testosterone levels induced by MPTP. The study suggests that Dutasteride may have potential as a treatment for Parkinson's disease.