Changes In Expression Of The Delta Subunit Of The GABA A Receptor And In Receptor Function Induced By Progesterone Exposure And Withdrawal
July 2006
in “
Journal of Neurochemistry
”
TLDR Progesterone affects GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor function by altering δ subunit levels.
The study investigated the effects of progesterone and its metabolite 3α,5α-THPROG on the δ subunit of GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. It was found that 1 day of progesterone treatment increased δ subunit mRNA and protein levels, while 6 days of treatment decreased them. Withdrawal from progesterone led to an up-regulation of the δ subunit, peaking 9-12 hours after withdrawal. These changes were mirrored by alterations in GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor function and were blocked by the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride. The findings suggested that 3α,5α-THPROG plays a crucial role in modulating GABAergic synapses.