Ethanol Enhances Neurosteroidogenesis in Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons by Paradoxical NMDA Receptor Activation

July 2011 in “ Journal of Neuroscience ”

Kazuhiro Tokuda, Yukitoshi Izumi, C. F. Zorumski

ethanol neurosteroidogenesis NMDA receptor 5α-reductase inhibitors finasteride dutasteride long-term potentiation LTP neurosteroid hippocampal pyramidal neurons Propecia Avodart

From the encyclopedia

Ethanol →

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Dutasteride →

Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

Studysummary In this study, ethanol was found to enhance GABAergic neurosteroid production and inhibit long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices via unblocked NMDA receptor activation, effects reversible by specific inhibitors.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study found that ethanol enhanced neurosteroid production in hippocampal pyramidal neurons through paradoxical activation of NMDA receptors. Specifically, 60 mm ethanol increased neurosteroid staining, which was blocked by 5α-reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) and an NMDA receptor antagonist (APV). This enhancement was linked to the inhibition of long-term potentiation (LTP), a model for memory formation, which was also reversed by the same inhibitors. The effects of ethanol on neurosteroid production and LTP were replicated by low concentrations of NMDA, suggesting that ethanol's impact on neurosteroidogenesis and LTP inhibition involved NMDA receptor-mediated metaplasticity.

View this study on jneurosci.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

3 / 3 results

Midazolam Inhibits Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation and Learning Through Dual Central and Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Activation and Neurosteroidogenesis

research Midazolam Inhibits Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation and Learning Through Dual Central and Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor Activation and Neurosteroidogenesis

97 citations , December 2010 in “Journal of Neuroscience”

This study found that midazolam, unlike clonazepam, increased neurosteroid levels and affected synaptic inhibition and plasticity in rat hippocampal neurons, suggesting unique actions via dual receptor activation.

research An Overview on 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

219 citations , October 2009 in “Steroids”

5α-reductase inhibitors, like Finasteride and Dutasteride, help manage benign prostatic hyperplasia.

research GABAergic Neurosteroids Mediate the Effects of Ethanol on Long-Term Potentiation in Rat Hippocampal Slices

48 citations , September 2007 in “European Journal of Neuroscience”

This study found that ethanol's ability to block long-term potentiation in rat hippocampal slices is influenced by neurosteroids that enhance GABA A receptor activity.