Effects of Altering Allopregnanolone Levels During Critical Neurodevelopmental Periods on Alcohol Consumption Vulnerability

This study explored how altering levels of neuroactive steroids (NAS) like allopregnanolone during critical neurodevelopmental periods affected alcohol consumption vulnerability. Neonatal administration of finasteride (PN5-PN9) reduced sensitivity to alcohol's motor-stimulating effects and increased novelty preference and initial alcohol consumption. Ondansetron reduced initial alcohol intake only in the finasteride group. Early postnatal NAS manipulation influenced 5-HT3 receptor expression, but no differences were found in adulthood. The findings highlighted NAS levels' role in alcohol consumption vulnerability through factors like motor stimulation sensitivity, novelty preference, and initial consumption, and suggested a protective role of NAS during early adolescence.