The Effects of Finasteride on Behavioral Changes in Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Encephalopathy in Rats

The study investigated the effects of finasteride on behavioral changes in thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in male Wistar rats. The results showed that finasteride pretreatment preserved vital reflexes and improved motor activity in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. Specifically, while reflexes such as corneal, withdrawal, grasping, and righting were significantly diminished in the thioacetamide-treated group, they were preserved in the group treated with both finasteride and thioacetamide. Additionally, finasteride alleviated the decrease in equilibrium, placement test, head shake, and auditory startle reflexes observed in the thioacetamide group. Motor activity and explorative behavior were higher in the finasteride and thioacetamide group compared to the thioacetamide-only group, indicating that finasteride pretreatment improved motor activity and prevented the development of coma in this model.