TLDR Changing allopregnanolone levels in baby rats affects their adult behavior and alcohol use.
The document from May 1, 2020, discusses the impact of early postnatal allopregnanolone (AlloP) levels on adult rat behavior and the potential implications for drug abuse vulnerability. It suggests that changes in AlloP levels during the first weeks of life can influence behaviors associated with drug abuse risk, such as novelty exploration, and can affect the maturation of dopaminergic systems related to novelty seeking. The review also notes that alcohol consumption increases AlloP levels in both animals and humans. Furthermore, the study within the document found that neonatal administration of finasteride, which inhibits AlloP synthesis, resulted in increased alcohol consumption and altered dopamine and serotonin levels in adult rats. This suggests that early AlloP level alterations could be important for determining initial sensitivity to alcohol seeking behavior in adulthood. The study concludes that early postnatal AlloP levels play a significant role in adult alcohol intake and seeking behavior, and highlights the need for further research to understand the role of neurosteroids in drug abuse vulnerability.
2 citations,
June 2018 in “Physiology & behavior” Early changes in brain chemicals affect how a drug reduces alcohol intake in rats.
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.
123 citations,
December 2015 in “Journal of Neuroendocrinology” New targets for making and using brain-synthesized steroids could lead to better treatments for brain disorders and alcoholism.
6 citations,
April 2015 in “Behavioural Brain Research” Finasteride worsens stress effects on sensory processes, possibly linking to anxiety/depression.
10 citations,
September 2014 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Allopregnanolone increases KCC2 expression in baby male rats' brains, while finasteride doesn't affect it.
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.
27 citations,
July 2008 in “Neuroscience” Finasteride given to baby rats causes anxiety-like behavior and worsens learning from punishment in adult rats.
98 citations,
April 1997 in “The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology” Finasteride effectively blocks rat enzymes, but with varying methods and strength.
Early NAS level changes affect alcohol consumption vulnerability.
September 2024 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology” 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may help protect the brain and gut in Parkinson's disease.
2 citations,
July 2020 in “Behavioural Brain Research” Changing neuroactive steroids in baby male rats affects their memory and learning differently as they grow up.
3 citations,
August 2016 in “Behavioural Brain Research” Finasteride given to baby rats reduces dopamine release and increases alcohol consumption in adult males.
18 citations,
September 2021 in “Journal of Neuroendocrinology” Neurosteroids can influence behavior by modulating brain inhibition, with potential for treating psychiatric disorders.
