Effects of Restraint Stress and Allopregnanolone Inhibition on Amphetamine Locomotor Sensitivity

The study explored the relationship between stress, allopregnanolone, and drug relapse, focusing on amphetamine locomotor sensitization. It was hypothesized that finasteride, an inhibitor of allopregnanolone synthesis, would increase stress-induced amphetamine sensitization. The research highlighted that stress and reward circuits in the brain are interconnected, with stress leading to increased release of neurosteroids like allopregnanolone, which are involved in these circuits. The study suggested that while behavioral therapies help manage stress-related relapse, pharmacological interventions, particularly targeting neurosteroids, required further investigation for effectiveness in preventing relapse.