TLDR Early changes in brain chemicals affect how a drug reduces alcohol intake in rats.
The study investigated the effects of early post-natal neuroactive steroid (NS) manipulation on alcohol consumption and novelty-seeking behavior in adult male Wistar rats. The researchers administered allopregnanolone (AlloP), finasteride, or a vehicle to newborn rats and later assessed their alcohol intake and response to the 5HT3 antagonist, ondansetron. Results showed that early post-natal finasteride administration increased novelty-seeking behavior but generally reduced overall exploration levels. Additionally, finasteride-treated rats exhibited increased alcohol consumption during the initial periods of intake, suggesting that early NS manipulation could alter 5HT3 receptor function and influence alcohol-related behaviors.
7 citations,
May 2017 in “Behavioural brain research” Changing neuroactive steroid levels early in life can affect how adult rats respond to alcohol's stimulating effects.
3 citations,
August 2016 in “Behavioural Brain Research” Finasteride given to baby rats reduces dopamine release and increases alcohol consumption in adult males.
34 citations,
April 2014 in “Psychopharmacology” Stress and alcohol affect brain chemicals differently in rats, mice, and humans, influenced by genetic differences.
17 citations,
February 2014 in “The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology” 
61 citations,
September 2008 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin” Finasteride almost fully depletes allopregnanolone in rat brains and enhances 20α-DHP, but doesn't change 3α-DHP levels.
2 citations,
December 2019 in “Neurobiology of Stress” Changing allopregnanolone levels in baby rats affects their adult behavior and alcohol use.
Early NAS level changes affect alcohol consumption vulnerability.
6 citations,
February 2019 in “Scientific reports” A brain-produced steroid causes increased scratching in mice with a skin condition similar to eczema.
January 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks” Stress and hormones like progesterone can affect absence seizures, but their effects change with different life stages.
12 citations,
January 2013 in “Alcohol and Alcoholism” Alcohol in teen years leads to more adult drinking, finasteride doesn't help.
