Ethanol Intake Patterns in Female Mice: Influence of Allopregnanolone and the Inhibition of Its Synthesis

May 2008 in “ Drug and Alcohol Dependence ”

Matthew M. Ford, Ethan H. Beckley, Jeffrey D. Nickel, Sean R. Eddy, David P. Finn

allopregnanolone 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride GABAergic manipulation ALLO FIN

Studysummary Female mice are less affected by certain substances that alter alcohol consumption compared to male mice.

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The study investigated the effects of allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the inhibition of its synthesis on ethanol intake patterns in female C57BL/6 mice. It was found that female mice were less sensitive to the modulatory effects of exogenous ALLO and the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride (FIN) on ethanol consumption compared to male rodents. This suggested that the physiological regulation of ethanol intake and consumption patterns were sex-specific, indicating that therapeutic interventions involving GABAergic manipulation might need to be tailored according to sex. The study utilized 24 female mice and employed lickometers to analyze drinking behavior at a microstructural level.

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In this study, withdrawal from progesterone and treatment with finasteride were associated with increased signs of depression-like behavior in female mice, suggesting decreased allopregnanolone levels may play a role.

research Sex Differences in the Effect of Finasteride on Acute Ethanol Withdrawal Severity in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J Mice

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In this study, finasteride altered acute ethanol withdrawal severity differently in male and female mice, highlighting sex differences in sensitivity to changes in neurosteroid levels.

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research A New Look at the 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride

137 citations , March 2006 in “Cns Drug Reviews”

This review explores finasteride's effects on neuroactive steroid levels and their potential influence on disorders like depression and alcohol withdrawal but reports no new clinical findings.

Treatment With and Withdrawal From Finasteride Alter Ethanol Intake Patterns in Male C57BL/6J Mice: Potential Role of Endogenous Neurosteroids

research Treatment With and Withdrawal From Finasteride Alter Ethanol Intake Patterns in Male C57BL/6J Mice: Potential Role of Endogenous Neurosteroids

54 citations , August 2005 in “Alcohol”

This study found that acute finasteride treatment decreased ethanol intake in male C57BL/6J mice, whereas chronic treatment showed diminished effects, implying compensatory changes in neurosteroid modulation.

research Interaction of Chronic Ethanol Exposure and Finasteride: Sex and Strain Differences

29 citations , June 2004 in “Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior”

Finasteride reduces alcohol withdrawal effects, especially in female mice.

research The Role of Pregnane Neurosteroids in Ethanol Withdrawal: Behavioral Genetic Approaches

83 citations , January 2004 in “Pharmacology & Therapeutics”

This review explores the potential role of pregnane neurosteroids in modulating alcohol withdrawal symptoms, suggesting a therapeutic target for treating alcohol dependence, but reports no new clinical results.