Finasteride, a 5alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Blocks the Anticonvulsant Activity of Progesterone in Mice
February 1999
in “
PubMed
”
New to Finasteride? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study found that the anticonvulsant effects of progesterone against PTZ-induced seizures in mice require conversion to allopregnanolone, as shown by the reversal of these effects with a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In the 1999 study, researchers found that progesterone, a hormone, had anticonvulsant effects against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizures in mice. This effect was believed to be due to the conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid, by 5alpha-reductase isoenzymes. The study showed that finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, could block the anticonvulsant activity of progesterone in a dose-dependent manner. However, finasteride did not affect the anticonvulsant activity of allopregnanolone itself or high doses of progesterone in the maximal electroshock seizure test. This provided strong evidence that the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone against PTZ-induced seizures was mediated by its active metabolite allopregnanolone.
