A High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay of the Androgenic Neurosteroid 3α-Androstanediol (5α-Androstane-3α,17β-Diol) in Plasma
July 2005
in “
Steroids
”
Research cited in this study
6 / 6 resultsresearch Anticonvulsant Activity of Progesterone and Neurosteroids in Progesterone Receptor Knockout Mice
The study examined the role of progesterone receptors (PR) in the anticonvulsant effects of progesterone using PR knockout (PRKO) mice. It was discovered that the anticonvulsant potency of progesterone was not reduced in PRKO mice compared to wild-type controls, and in some seizure models, PRKO mice even showed increased potency. The reversal of anticonvulsant effects by finasteride suggested that these effects were due to the conversion of progesterone to the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, rather than the action of PRs. This indicated that PRs were not necessary for the antiseizure effects of progesterone, which were mainly mediated by allopregnanolone.
research Testosterone modulation of seizure susceptibility is mediated by neurosteroids 3α-androstanediol and 17β-estradiol
The study investigated the role of testosterone in seizure susceptibility, focusing on its conversion to neurosteroids 3α-androstanediol (3α-Diol) and 17β-estradiol. It was found that testosterone decreased seizure thresholds and increased seizure severity in animal models, effects that were associated with elevated levels of these neurosteroids. The use of letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, and finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, demonstrated that blocking the conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol and 3α-Diol, respectively, reduced its proconvulsant effects. The study concluded that these testosterone-derived neurosteroids significantly influenced neural excitability and seizure susceptibility.
research Stress-Induced Deoxycorticosterone-Derived Neurosteroids Modulate GABAAReceptor Function and Seizure Susceptibility
The study provided evidence that stress-induced neurosteroids derived from deoxycorticosterone (DOC) modulated GABA(A) receptor function and affected seizure susceptibility. During stress, DOC was metabolized into neurosteroids like THDOC, which had anticonvulsant properties. In rats, acute stress increased THDOC levels and raised seizure thresholds. Similarly, small doses of DOC increased THDOC and seizure thresholds, effects reversed by finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor. DOC also protected mice against various seizures, with its effects reversed by finasteride and partially by indomethacin. DHDOC, another metabolite, also potentiated GABA-activated currents, suggesting its role in DOC's antiseizure activity. Thus, DOC mediated stress effects on seizures through conversion to neurosteroids affecting GABA(A) receptors.
research Steroid 5α-Reductases and 3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases: Key Enzymes in Androgen Metabolism
Key enzymes control androgen levels, affecting hormone activity and potential treatments.
research Finasteride, a 5alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, Blocks the Anticonvulsant Activity of Progesterone in Mice
Finasteride, a drug, can block the seizure-preventing effects of a hormone called progesterone in mice.
research Inhibition of Rat Alpha-Reductases by Finasteride: Evidence for Isozyme Differences in the Mechanism of Inhibition
Finasteride effectively blocks rat enzymes, but with varying methods and strength.
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research A New Look at the 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride
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research Testosterone modulation of seizure susceptibility is mediated by neurosteroids 3α-androstanediol and 17β-estradiol
The study investigated the role of testosterone in seizure susceptibility, focusing on its conversion to neurosteroids 3α-androstanediol (3α-Diol) and 17β-estradiol. It was found that testosterone decreased seizure thresholds and increased seizure severity in animal models, effects that were associated with elevated levels of these neurosteroids. The use of letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, and finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, demonstrated that blocking the conversion of testosterone to 17β-estradiol and 3α-Diol, respectively, reduced its proconvulsant effects. The study concluded that these testosterone-derived neurosteroids significantly influenced neural excitability and seizure susceptibility.
research Finasteride Inhibits 5α-Reductase Activity in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Prediction of Its Therapeutic Application in Androgen-Related Skin Diseases
Finasteride helps treat skin issues like acne and baldness by blocking testosterone conversion.
research Finasteride
Finasteride treats enlarged prostate and may help with baldness, but effects on sexual function and male fetuses are unclear.