88 citations
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January 2004 in “Journal of Neuroscience” This study found that inhibiting neurosteroidogenesis affected GABA A receptor-mediated synaptic inhibition in immature rats but not in adults, suggesting age-dependent modulation of synaptic strength in the spinal dorsal horn.
26 citations
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July 2012 in “Epilepsy & Behavior” This study found that progesterone significantly delayed epileptogenesis development in a mouse model, and its effects were inhibited by finasteride, highlighting the potential role of neurosteroids in modifying epilepsy progression.
12 citations
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April 2018 in “Physiology & Behavior” In this study, clozapine reduced suicide-related behaviors in a schizophrenia-like mouse model, but its effects on exploratory behavior were counteracted by the neurosteroid inhibitor finasteride.
19 citations
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December 2019 in “Steroids” This study found that the pharmacological inhibition of 5-α reductases with finasteride and dutasteride can reduce neurosteroid synthesis in glioblastoma-derived cell lines, potentially impacting GBM survival.
February 2026 in “NeuroSci” This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the distribution of 5a-reductase isozymes and their implications for mental health, finding that inhibition of neurosteroidogenesis may contribute to anxiety, depression, and suicidality, with some patients experiencing persistent psychiatric effects from finasteride or dutasteride.