The Effect of Finasteride on Anxiety in Rats

The study examined the impact of finasteride on anxiety in male Wistar rats, particularly its role as a GABAergic transmission modulator. Finasteride was given at 50 mg/kg daily for 3 days. Results indicated that finasteride did not significantly alter anxiety-like behavior in open spaces, as assessed by the elevated plus maze. However, in the light-dark test, finasteride-treated rats spent significantly less time in the light area, suggesting an anxiogenic effect related to bright space anxiety-like behavior. This implied that finasteride might increase anxiety in specific contexts.