Inhibiting Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Progestins in the Ventral Tegmental Area Attenuates Lordosis in Rats During Behavioral Estrus

The study investigated the role of 3α,5α‐THP in facilitating lordosis in female rats by examining its biosynthesis and metabolism in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Researchers used inhibitors like digitoxin and finasteride to block the biosynthesis and metabolism pathways of 3α,5α‐THP. They found that these inhibitors significantly reduced lordosis and midbrain 3α,5α‐THP levels, but not plasma levels. However, infusing 3α,5α‐THP into the VTA restored both lordosis and midbrain 3α,5α‐THP levels. The findings suggested that both the central biosynthesis and metabolism of progesterone to 3α,5α‐THP in the VTA were crucial for mediating lordosis in rats.