Reversal of Caffeine-Induced Anxiety by Neurosteroid 3-Alpha-Hydroxy-5-Alpha-Pregnane-20-One in Rats

The study investigated the effects of the neurosteroid 3-alpha-hydroxy-5-alpha-pregnane-20-one (3α,5α-THP) on caffeine-induced anxiety in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Caffeine, a common psychostimulant, was shown to increase anxiety at higher doses (50 or 100 mg/kg), as evidenced by reduced exploration of open arms in an elevated plus-maze test. The research suggested that 3α,5α-THP, a positive modulator of GABAA receptors, could potentially counteract caffeine's anxiogenic effects. The study highlighted the complex interactions between caffeine, GABAergic neurotransmission, and neurosteroids, suggesting that neurosteroids like 3α,5α-THP might play a role in modulating anxiety induced by caffeine.