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Cavallieri F, Lucchi C, Grisanti S, Monfrini E, Fioravanti V, Toschi G, Di Rauso G, Rossi J, Di Fonzo A, Biagini G, Valzania F. Neurosteroid Levels in GBA Mutated and Non-Mutated Parkinson's Disease: A Possible Factor Influencing Clinical Phenotype? Biomolecules 2024; 14:1022. [PMID: 39199409 PMCID: PMC11352262 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are pleiotropic molecules involved in various neurodegenerative diseases with neuroinflammation. We assessed neurosteroids' serum levels in a cohort of Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients with heterozygous glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations (GBA-PD) compared with matched cohorts of consecutive non-mutated PD (NM-PD) patients and healthy subjects with (GBA-HC) and without (NM-HC) GBA mutations. A consecutive cohort of GBA-PD was paired for age, sex, disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr stage, and comorbidities with a cohort of consecutive NM-PD. Two cohorts of GBA-HC and HC were also considered. Clinical assessment included the Movement Disorder Society revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Serum samples were processed and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with the triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Twenty-two GBA-PD (males: 11, age: 63.68), 22 NM-PD (males: 11, age: 63.05), 14 GBA-HC (males: 8; age: 49.36), and 15 HC (males: 4; age: 60.60) were studied. Compared to NM-PD, GBA-PD showed more hallucinations and psychosis (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test) and higher MDS-UPDRS part-II (p < 0.05). Most of the serum neurosteroids were reduced in both GBA-PD and NM-PD compared to the respective control cohorts, except for 5α-dihydroprogesterone. Allopregnanolone was the only neurosteroid significantly lower (p < 0.01, Dunn's test) in NM-PD compared to GBA-PD patients. Only in GBA-PD, allopregnanolone, and pregnanolone levels correlated (Spearman) with a more severe MDS-UPDRS part-III. Allopregnanolone levels also negatively correlated with MoCA scores, and pregnanolone levels correlated with more pronounced bradykinesia. This pilot study provides the first observation of changes in neurosteroid peripheral levels in GBA-PD. The involvement of the observed changes in the development of neuropsychological and motor symptoms of GBA-PD deserves further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cavallieri
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (F.C.); (V.F.); (G.T.); (G.D.R.); (J.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Chiara Lucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Sara Grisanti
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Edoardo Monfrini
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (E.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Valentina Fioravanti
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (F.C.); (V.F.); (G.T.); (G.D.R.); (J.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Giulia Toschi
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (F.C.); (V.F.); (G.T.); (G.D.R.); (J.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Giulia Di Rauso
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (F.C.); (V.F.); (G.T.); (G.D.R.); (J.R.); (F.V.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Jessica Rossi
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (F.C.); (V.F.); (G.T.); (G.D.R.); (J.R.); (F.V.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy;
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (E.M.); (A.D.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor & Rehabilitation Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (F.C.); (V.F.); (G.T.); (G.D.R.); (J.R.); (F.V.)
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Bratzu J, Ciscato M, Pisanu A, Talani G, Frau R, Porcu P, Diana M, Fumagalli F, Romualdi P, Rullo L, Trezza V, Ciccocioppo R, Sanna F, Fattore L. Communal nesting differentially attenuates the impact of pre-weaning social isolation on behavior in male and female rats during adolescence and adulthood. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1257417. [PMID: 37915532 PMCID: PMC10616881 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1257417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early social isolation (ESI) disrupts neurodevelopmental processes, potentially leading to long-lasting emotional and cognitive changes in adulthood. Communal nesting (CN), i.e., the sharing of parental responsibilities between multiple individuals in a nest, creates a socially enriching environment known to impact social and anxiety-related behaviors. Methods This study examines the effects of (i) the CN condition and of (ii) ESI during the 3rd week of life (i.e., pre-weaning ESI) on motor, cognitive, and emotional domains during adolescence and adulthood in male and female rats reared in the two different housing conditions, as well as (iii) the potential of CN to mitigate the impact of ESI on offspring. Results We found that in a spontaneous locomotor activity test, females exhibited higher activity levels compared to males. In female groups, adolescents reared in standard housing (SH) condition spent less time in the center of the arena, suggestive of increased anxiety levels, while the CN condition increased the time spent in the center during adolescence, but not adulthood, independently from ESI. The prepulse inhibition (PPI) test showed a reduced PPI in ESI adolescent animals of both sexes and in adult males (but not in adult females), with CN restoring PPI in males, but not in adolescent females. Further, in the marble burying test SH-ESI adolescent males exhibited higher marble burying behavior than all other groups, suggestive of obsessive-compulsive traits. CN completely reversed this stress-induced effect. Interestingly, ESI and CN did not have a significant impact on burying behavior in adult animals of both sexes. Discussion Overall, our findings (i) assess the effects of ESI on locomotion, sensorimotor gating, and compulsive-like behaviors, (ii) reveal distinct vulnerabilities of males and females within these domains, and (iii) show how early-life social enrichment may successfully counteract some of the behavioral alterations induced by early-life social stress in a sex-dependent manner. This study strengthens the notion that social experiences during early-life can shape emotional and cognitive outcomes in adulthood, and points to the importance of social enrichment interventions for mitigating the negative effects of early social stress on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bratzu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Ciscato
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Diana
- G.Minardi’ Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CPMB Science Department, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences ‘Rodolfo Paoletti’, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
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Corsi S, Scheggi S, Pardu A, Braccagni G, Caruso D, Cioffi L, Diviccaro S, Gentile M, Fanni S, Stancampiano R, Gambarana C, Melcangi RC, Frau R, Carta M. Pregnenolone for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol 2023; 363:114370. [PMID: 36878398 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Growing preclinical and clinical evidence highlights neurosteroid pathway imbalances in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias (LIDs). We recently reported that 5α-reductase (5AR) inhibitors dampen dyskinesias in parkinsonian rats; however, unraveling which specific neurosteroid mediates this effect is critical to optimize a targeted therapy. Among the 5AR-related neurosteroids, striatal pregnenolone has been shown to be increased in response to 5AR blockade and decreased after 6-OHDA lesions in the rat PD model. Moreover, this neurosteroid rescued psychotic-like phenotypes by exerting marked antidopaminergic activity. In light of this evidence, we investigated whether pregnenolone might dampen the appearance of LIDs in parkinsonian drug-naïve rats. We tested 3 escalating doses of pregnenolone (6, 18, 36 mg/kg) in 6-OHDA-lesioned male rats and compared the behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular outcomes with those induced by the 5AR inhibitor dutasteride, as positive control. The results showed that pregnenolone dose-dependently countered LIDs without affecting L-DOPA-induced motor improvements. Post-mortem analyses revealed that pregnenolone significantly prevented the increase of validated striatal markers of dyskinesias, such as phospho-Thr-34 DARPP-32 and phospho-ERK1/2, as well as D1-D3 receptor co-immunoprecipitation in a fashion similar to dutasteride. Moreover, the antidyskinetic effect of pregnenolone was paralleled by reduced striatal levels of BDNF, a well-established factor associated with the development of LIDs. In support of a direct pregnenolone effect, LC/MS-MS analyses revealed that striatal pregnenolone levels strikingly increased after the exogenous administration, with no significant alterations in downstream metabolites. All these data suggest pregnenolone as a key player in the antidyskinetic properties of 5AR inhibitors and highlight this neurosteroid as an interesting novel tool to target LIDs in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Corsi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pardu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Mauro Gentile
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | - Silvia Fanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy; Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit, Department Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | | | - Carla Gambarana
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy; "Guy Everett Laboratory", Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, CA, Italy.
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Floris G, Scheggi S, Pes R, Bortolato M. The steroidogenic inhibitor finasteride reverses pramipexole-induced alterations in probability discounting. Brain Res Bull 2022; 181:157-166. [PMID: 35122898 PMCID: PMC9012661 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pramipexole is a potent agonist of D3 and D2 dopamine receptors, currently approved for clinical use in Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome. Several studies have shown that pramipexole significantly increases the risk of pathological gambling and impulse-control disorders. While these iatrogenic complications can impose a severe social and financial burden, their treatment poses serious clinical challenges. Our group previously reported that the steroidogenic inhibitor finasteride reduced pathological gambling severity in PD patients who developed this complication following pramipexole treatment. To study the mechanisms underlying these effects, here we tested the impact of finasteride in a rat model of pramipexole-induced alterations of probability discounting. We previously showed that, in rats exposed to low doses of the monoamine-depleting agent reserpine (1mg/kg/day, SC), pramipexole (0.3mg/kg/day, SC) increased the propensity to engage in disadvantageous choices. This effect was paralleled by a marked D3 receptor upregulation in the nucleus accumbens. First, we tested how finasteride (25-50mg/kg, IP) intrinsically affects probability discounting. While the highest dose of finasteride produced a marked lack of interest in lever pressing (manifested as a significant increase in omissions), the 25mg/kg (IP) dose did not intrinsically modify probability discounting. However, this finasteride regimen significantly reduced the adverse effects of reserpine and pramipexole in probability discounting by diminishing rats' propensity to engage in highly disadvantageous probabilistic choices. The same regimen also reversed the upregulation of D3 receptors in the nucleus accumbens induced by reserpine and pramipexole. These findings confirm that finasteride opposes the impulsivity caused by pramipexole and suggest that this effect may be underpinned by a normalizing effect on D3 receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Floris
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA.
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA; Dept. of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Siena, ITALY
| | - Romina Pes
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence (KS), USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA; Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence (KS), USA.
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Calcium imaging reveals depressive- and manic-phase-specific brain neural activity patterns in a murine model of bipolar disorder: a pilot study. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:619. [PMID: 34876553 PMCID: PMC8651770 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain pathological features during manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes in the same patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) have not been described precisely. The study aimed to investigate depressive and manic-phase-specific brain neural activity patterns of BPD in the same murine model to provide information guiding investigation of the mechanism of phase switching and tailored prevention and treatment for patients with BPD. In vivo two-photon imaging was used to observe brain activity alterations in the depressive and manic phases in the same murine model of BPD. Two-photon imaging showed significantly reduced Ca2+ activity in temporal cortex pyramidal neurons in the depression phase in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), but not in the manic phase in mice exposed to CUMS and ketamine. Total integrated calcium values correlated significantly with immobility times. Brain Ca2+ hypoactivity was observed in the depression and manic phases in the same mice exposed to CUMS and ketamine relative to naïve controls. The novel object recognition preference ratio correlated negatively with the immobility time in the depression phase and the total distance traveled in the manic phase. With recognition of its limitations, this study revealed brain neural activity impairment indicating that intrinsic emotional network disturbance is a mechanism of BPD and that brain neural activity is associated with cognitive impairment in the depressive and manic phases of this disorder. These findings are consistent with those from macro-imaging studies of patients with BPD. The observed correlation of brain neural activity with the severity of depressive, but not manic, symptoms need to be investigated further.
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Saengmearnuparp T, Lojanapiwat B, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn S. The connection of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to the development of depression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112100. [PMID: 34479019 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent literature connects 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) with neuropsychiatric adverse effects. Several clinical studies have indicated that former 5-ARIs users had a higher incidence of depressive symptoms and neuropsychiatric side effects than non-users. However, the underlying mechanisms involved in the depression in former 5-ARIs patients, a condition known as "post finasteride syndrome (PFS)", are not thoroughly understood. This review aims to summarize and discuss the association between 5-ARIs and depression as well as possible mechanisms. We used PubMed search terms including "depression", "depressive symptoms", "MDD", "anxiety", or "suicidal idea", and "5-alpha reductase inhibitors", "finasteride", "dutasteride", "5-ARIs". All relevant articles from in vivo and clinical studies from 2002 to 2021 were carefully reviewed. Any contradictory findings were included and debated. The potential mechanisms that link 5-ARIs and depression include alteration in neuroactive steroids, dopaminergic dysfunction, reduced hippocampal neurogenesis, increased neuroinflammation, alteration of the HPA axis, and epigenetic modifications. From this review, we hope to provide information for future studies based on animal experiments, and potential therapeutic strategies for depressive patients with PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bannakij Lojanapiwat
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Chattipakorn
- Neurophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Frau R, Traccis F, Bortolato M. Neurobehavioural complications of sleep deprivation: Shedding light on the emerging role of neuroactive steroids. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12792. [PMID: 31505075 PMCID: PMC6982588 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sleep deprivation (SD) is associated with a broad spectrum of cognitive and behavioural complications, including emotional lability and enhanced stress reactivity, as well as deficits in executive functions, decision making and impulse control. These impairments, which have profound negative consequences on the health and productivity of many individuals, reflect alterations of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its connectivity with subcortical regions. However, the molecular underpinnings of these alterations remain elusive. Our group and others have begun examining how the neurobehavioural outcomes of SD may be influenced by neuroactive steroids, a family of molecules deeply implicated in sleep regulation and the stress response. These studies have revealed that, similar to other stressors, acute SD leads to increased synthesis of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone in the PFC. Whereas this up-regulation is likely aimed at counterbalancing the detrimental impact of oxidative stress induced by SD, the increase in prefrontal allopregnanolone levels contributes to deficits in sensorimotor gating and impulse control, signalling a functional impairment of PFC. This scenario suggests that the synthesis of neuroactive steroids during acute SD may be enacted as a neuroprotective response in the PFC; however, such compensation may in turn set off neurobehavioural complications by interfering with the corticolimbic connections responsible for executive functions and emotional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City (UT), USA
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De Felice M, Melis M, Aroni S, Muntoni AL, Fanni S, Frau R, Devoto P, Pistis M. The PPARα agonist fenofibrate attenuates disruption of dopamine function in a maternal immune activation rat model of schizophrenia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 25:549-561. [PMID: 30461214 PMCID: PMC6488881 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Prenatal maternal immune activation (MIA) is associated with a risk to develop schizophrenia and affects dopamine systems in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), key region in the neurobiology of psychoses. Considering the well‐described sex differences in schizophrenia, we investigated whether sex affects MIA impact on dopamine system and on schizophrenia‐related behavioral phenotype. Furthermore, considering peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) expression in the CNS as well as its anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, we tested if PPARα activation by prenatal treatment with a clinically available fibrate (fenofibrate) may mitigate MIA‐related effects. Methods We induced MIA in rat dams with polyriboinosinic‐polyribocytidylic acid (Poly I:C) and assessed prepulse inhibition and dopamine neuron activity in the VTA by means of electrophysiological recordings in male and female preweaned and adult offspring. Results Poly I:C‐treated males displayed prepulse inhibition deficits, reduced number and firing rate of VTA dopamine neurons, and paired‐pulse facilitation of inhibitory and excitatory synapses. Prenatal fenofibrate administration attenuated detrimental effects induced by MIA on both the schizophrenia‐like behavioral phenotype and dopamine transmission in male offspring. Conclusion Our study confirms previous evidence that females are less susceptible to MIA and highlights PPARα as a potential target for treatments in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta De Felice
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sonia Aroni
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
| | - Silvia Fanni
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Monserrato, Italy
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Understanding how Age-Related Decline in Testosterone Affects Male Sexual Behavior: Neurosteroids as the Missing Piece. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-018-0175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Fanni S, Scheggi S, Rossi F, Tronci E, Traccis F, Stancampiano R, De Montis MG, Devoto P, Gambarana C, Bortolato M, Frau R, Carta M. 5alpha-reductase inhibitors dampen L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia via normalization of dopamine D1-receptor signaling pathway and D1-D3 receptor interaction. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 121:120-130. [PMID: 30261284 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although 1-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is the mainstay therapy for treating Parkinson's disease (PD), its long-term administration is accompanied by the development of motor complications, particularly L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID), that dramatically affects patients' quality of life. LID has consistently been related to an excessive dopamine receptor transmission, particularly at the down-stream signaling of the striatal D1 receptors (D1R), resulting in an exaggerated stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. We previously reported that pharmacological blockade of 5alpha-reductase (5AR), the rate-limiting enzyme in neurosteroids synthesis, attenuates the severity of a broad set of behavioral alterations induced by D1R and D3R activation, without inducing extrapyramidal symptoms. In line with this evidence, in a recent study, we found that inhibition of 5AR by finasteride (FIN) produced a significant reduction of dyskinesia induced by L-DOPA and direct dopaminergic agonists in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In the attempt to further investigate the effect of 5AR inhibitors on dyskinesia and shed light on the mechanism of action, in the present study we compared the effect of FIN and dutasteride (DUTA), a potent dual 5AR inhibitor, on the development of LID, on the therapeutic efficacy of L-DOPA, on the molecular alterations downstream to the D1R, as well as on D1R-D3R interaction. The results indicated that both FIN and DUTA administration significantly reduced development and expression of LID; however, DUTA appeared more effective than FIN at a lower dose and produced its antidyskinetic effect without impacting the ability of L-DOPA to increase motor activation, or ameliorate forelimb use in parkinsonian rats. Moreover, this study demonstrates for the first time that 5AR inhibitors are able to prevent key events in the appearance of dyskinesia, such as L-DOPA-induced upregulation of striatal D1R-related cAMP/PKA/ERK signaling pathways and D1R-D3R coimmunoprecipitation, an index of heteromer formation. These findings are relevant as they confirm the 5AR enzyme as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of dyskinesia in PD, suggesting the first ever evidence that neurosteroidogenesis may affect functional interaction between dopamine D1R and D3R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Fanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tronci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Francesco Traccis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Roberto Stancampiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Maria Graziella De Montis
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Carla Gambarana
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy; Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy; Sleep Medicine Center, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria SP 8, Monserrato 09042, Italy.
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11
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Frau R, Bortolato M. Repurposing steroidogenesis inhibitors for the therapy of neuropsychiatric disorders: Promises and caveats. Neuropharmacology 2018; 147:55-65. [PMID: 29907425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Steroids exert a profound influence on behavioral reactivity, by modulating the functions of most neurotransmitters and shaping the impact of stress and sex-related variables on neural processes. This background - as well as the observation that most neuroactive steroids (including sex hormones, glucocorticoids and neurosteroids) are synthetized and metabolized by overlapping enzymatic machineries - points to steroidogenic pathways as a powerful source of targets for neuropsychiatric disorders. Inhibitors of steroidogenic enzymes have been developed and approved for a broad range of genitourinary and endocrine dysfunctions, opening to new opportunities to repurpose these drugs for the treatment of mental problems. In line with this idea, preliminary clinical and preclinical results from our group have shown that inhibitors of key steroidogenic enzymes, such as 5α-reductase and 17,20 desmolase-lyase, may have therapeutic efficacy in specific behavioral disorders associated with dopaminergic hyperfunction. While the lack of specificity of these effects raises potential concerns about endocrine adverse events, these initial findings suggest that steroidogenesis modulators with greater brain specificity may hold significant potential for the development of alternative therapies for psychiatric problems. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Drug Repurposing: old molecules, new ways to fast track drug discovery and development for CNS disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy; Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy; Sleep Medicine Center, University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Monserrato CA, Italy.
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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12
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Mosher LJ, Godar SC, Morissette M, McFarlin KM, Scheggi S, Gambarana C, Fowler SC, Di Paolo T, Bortolato M. Steroid 5α-reductase 2 deficiency leads to reduced dominance-related and impulse-control behaviors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 91:95-104. [PMID: 29544191 PMCID: PMC5901899 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme steroid 5α-reductase 2 (5αR2) catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into the potent androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone. Previous investigations showed that 5αR2 is expressed in key brain areas for emotional and socio-affective reactivity, yet the role of this enzyme in behavioral regulation remains mostly unknown. Here, we profiled the behavioral characteristics of 5αR2 heterozygous (HZ) and knockout (KO) mice, as compared with their wild-type (WT) littermates. While male 5αR2 KO mice displayed no overt alterations in motoric, sensory, information-processing and anxiety-related behaviors, they exhibited deficits in neurobehavioral correlates of dominance (including aggression against intruders, mating, and tube dominance) as well as novelty-seeking and risk-taking responses. Furthermore, male 5αR2 KO mice exhibited reduced D2-like dopamine receptor binding in the shell of the nucleus accumbens - a well-recognized molecular signature of social dominance. Collectively, these results suggest that 5αR2 is involved in the establishment of social dominance and its behavioral manifestations. Further studies are warranted to understand how the metabolic actions of 5αR2 on steroid profile may be implicated in social ranking, impulse control, and the modulation of dopamine receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Mosher
- Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Sean C Godar
- Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Marc Morissette
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kenneth M McFarlin
- Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States.
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Carla Gambarana
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stephen C Fowler
- Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Thérèse Di Paolo
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, CHUL, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.
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13
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Maurice-Gélinas C, Deslauriers J, Monpays C, Sarret P, Grignon S. The 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride increases suicide-related aggressive behaviors and blocks clozapine-induced beneficial effects in an animal model of schizophrenia. Physiol Behav 2018; 191:65-72. [PMID: 29630964 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Death by suicide is 5 times higher among schizophrenia patients than in the general population. There is now compelling evidence suggesting that the pathophysiology of suicide in schizophrenia does not involve central serotonergic neurotransmission disturbances, as has been shown in other contexts. We recently developed and characterized a murine Two-Hit Model of Suicide-related behavior in a schizophrenia-like context (THMS) (gestational inflammation with polyI:C at gestational day 12 followed by post-weaning social isolation). In this THMS model, we have recently shown that the atypical antipsychotic clozapine normalized the prepulse inhibition (PPI) deficits as well suicide-related, impulsive aggressive and anxiety-like behaviors. While the mechanisms underlying the suicide-reducing benefits of clozapine in schizophrenic patients are not well understood, previous works have revealed that clozapine alters brain levels of neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone. In the present study, we thus investigated the role of endogenous neurosteroids in clozapine action by evaluating whether the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride could overturn the ability of clozapine to reduce suicide-related behaviors. We found that clozapine significantly improved the PPI deficits in THMS mice, which could not be reversed by finasteride treatment. However, finasteride counteracted the ability of clozapine to decrease the exploratory behaviors in the open-field test. In the resident-intruder test, THMS mice showed exacerbated aggressiveness and impulsivity following finasteride alone. In this resident-intruder paradigm, clozapine alone effectively blocked the finasteride-enhanced effects on aggression and impulsivity. Altogether, these findings support the existence of a complex interaction between clozapine and neurosteroids in THMS mice. Further investigations are now required to clarify the details of the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Maurice-Gélinas
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Jessica Deslauriers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Cécile Monpays
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sylvain Grignon
- Departement of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 12e avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, 580 Bowen Sud, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada.
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14
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Tanaka M, Ogaeri T, Samsonov M, Sokabe M. The 5α-Reductase Inhibitor Finasteride Exerts Neuroprotection Against Ischemic Brain Injury in Aged Male Rats. Transl Stroke Res 2018; 10:67-77. [PMID: 29574659 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-018-0624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) exerts potent neuroprotection both in young and aged animal models of stroke. The neuroprotection is likely to be mediated by allopregnanolone (ALLO) metabolized from P4 by 5α-reductase, since the neuroprotection is attenuated by the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride, which was done only with young animals though. Thus, we do not know the contribution of ALLO to the P4-induced neuroprotection in aged animals. We examined effects of finasteride on the P4-induced neuroprotection in aged (16-18-month-old) male rats subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries. MCAO rats were given an 8 mg/kg P4 6 h after MCAO followed by the same treatment once a day for successive 3 days. Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, at 20 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected 30 min prior to the P4-injections. P4 markedly reduced neuronal damage 72 h after MCAO, and the P4-induced neuroprotection was apparently suppressed by finasteride in the aged animals. However, post-ischemic administration of finasteride alone (20 mg/kg) significantly prevented neuronal damage and the impairment of Rotarod performance after MCAO in aged male rats, but not in young ones. The androgen receptor antagonist flutamide markedly suppressed the neuroprotection of finasteride in the cerebral cortex, but not in the striatum, suggesting the androgen receptor-dependent mechanism of the finasteride-induced neuroprotection in the cerebral cortex. Our findings suggested, for the first time, the potential of finasteride as a therapeutic agent in post-ischemic treatment of strokes in aged population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Tanaka
- Mechanobiology Laboratory, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Takunori Ogaeri
- Mechanobiology Laboratory, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | | | - Masahiro Sokabe
- Mechanobiology Laboratory, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
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15
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Cai H, Cao T, Zhou X, Yao JK. Neurosteroids in Schizophrenia: Pathogenic and Therapeutic Implications. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:73. [PMID: 29568275 PMCID: PMC5852066 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are a group of important endogenous molecules affecting many neural functions in the brain. Increasing evidence suggests a possible role of these neurosteroids in the pathology and symptomatology of schizophrenia (SZ) and other mental disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the neural functions of neurosteroids in the brain, and to evaluate the role of the key neurosteroids as candidate modulators in the etiology and therapeutics of SZ. The present paper provides a brief introduction of neurosteroid metabolism and distribution, followed by a discussion of the mechanisms underlying neurosteroid actions in the brain. The content regarding the modulation of the GABAA receptor is elaborated, given the considerable knowledge of its interactions with other neurotransmitter and neuroprotective systems, as well as its ameliorating effects on stress that may play a role in the SZ pathophysiology. In addition, several preclinical and clinical studies suggested a therapeutic benefit of neurosteroids in SZ patients, even though the presence of altered neurosteroid pathways in the circulating blood and/or brain remains debatable. Following treatment of antipsychotic drugs in SZ, therapeutic benefits have also been linked to the regulation of neurosteroid signaling. Specifically, the neurosteroids such as pregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone affect a broad spectrum of behavioral functions through their unique molecular characteristics and may represent innovative therapeutic targets for SZ. Future investigations in larger cohorts with long-term follow-ups will be required to ascertain the neuropsychopharmacological role of this yet unexploited class of neurosteroid agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- HuaLin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- The Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey K. Yao
- Medical Research Service, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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16
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Liu YP, Yang YY, Wan FJ, Tung CS. Importance of intervention timing in the effectiveness of antipsychotics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:493-500. [PMID: 28174128 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of early pharmacological intervention in treating young patients with schizophrenia is a debating issue for psychiatrists. However, on the basis of developmental theory, early antipsychotic intervention can be beneficial in terms of protecting neurons from further deterioration. This study investigated whether the initiation of second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) treatment at a younger age can effectively reverse schizophrenia-relevant behavioral and neurochemical features, namely acoustic prepulse inhibition (PPI) and accumbal dopamine (DA) efflux, respectively. Risperidone (RIS, 1mg/kg/day) or olanzapine (OLA, 2.5mg/kg/day) was administered for 6weeks in rats subjected to isolation rearing (IR) in adolescence or young adulthood. Behavioral testing was performed at 3 and 5 (for locomotor activity) and 2 and 4 (for PPI) weeks after the initiation of the pharmacological regimen. An additional PPI test was performed 6weeks after the initiation of the pharmacological regimen to assess the acute add-on effect of RIS or OLA. Dopamine (DA) efflux of the nucleus accumbens was evaluated through in vivo microdialysis at the end of the study, for measuring both the baseline levels after the chronic regimen and the responsiveness to acute add-on RIS or OLA treatment. Our results demonstrated that the effects of SGAs on PPI and accumbal DA efflux were dissociated. Specifically, RIS intervention was more beneficial for adolescent than young adult IR rats in restoring their PPI deficit, whereas OLA was age-independently effective in stimulating the accumbal DA efflux. Both PPI and accumbal DA could be employed to reflect IR-induced abnormalities, in which accumbal DA appeared to be more suitable in depicting the long-term effect of IR, whereas PPI might be a more accurate biological index for revealing the advantages of early RIS intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yia-Ping Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yu-Yin Yang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fang-Jung Wan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Che-Se Tung
- Division of Medical Research and Education, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Tobiansky DJ, Wallin-Miller KG, Floresco SB, Wood RI, Soma KK. Androgen Regulation of the Mesocorticolimbic System and Executive Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:279. [PMID: 29922228 PMCID: PMC5996102 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence indicate that androgens, such as testosterone, modulate the mesocorticolimbic system and executive function. This review integrates neuroanatomical, molecular biological, neurochemical, and behavioral studies to highlight how endogenous and exogenous androgens alter behaviors, such as behavioral flexibility, decision making, and risk taking. First, we briefly review the neuroanatomy of the mesocorticolimbic system, which mediates executive function, with a focus on the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Second, we present evidence that androgen receptors (AR) and other steroid receptors are expressed in the mesocorticolimbic system. Using sensitive immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques, ARs are detected in the VTA, NAc, mPFC, and OFC. Third, we describe recent evidence for local androgens ("neuroandrogens") in the mesocorticolimbic system. Steroidogenic enzymes are expressed in mesocorticolimbic regions. Furthermore, following long-term gonadectomy, testosterone is nondetectable in the blood but detectable in the mesocorticolimbic system, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. However, the physiological relevance of neuroandrogens remains unknown. Fourth, we review how anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) influence the mesocorticolimbic system. Fifth, we describe how androgens modulate the neurochemistry and structure of the mesocorticolimbic system, particularly with regard to dopaminergic signaling. Finally, we discuss evidence that androgens influence executive functions, including the effects of androgen deprivation therapy and AAS. Taken together, the evidence indicates that androgens are critical modulators of executive function. Similar to dopamine signaling, there might be optimal levels of androgen signaling within the mesocorticolimbic system for executive functioning. Future studies should examine the regulation and functions of neurosteroids in the mesocorticolimbic system, as well as the potential deleterious and enduring effects of AAS use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Tobiansky
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Daniel J. Tobiansky,
| | - Kathryn G. Wallin-Miller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stan B. Floresco
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ruth I. Wood
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kiran K. Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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18
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Li L, Kang YX, Ji XM, Li YK, Li SC, Zhang XJ, Cui HX, Shi GM. Finasteride inhibited brain dopaminergic system and open-field behaviors in adolescent male rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2017; 24:115-125. [PMID: 29214729 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Because androgen regulates dopaminergic system in the brain, it could be hypothesized that finasteride may inhibit dopaminergic system. The present study therefore investigates the effects of finasteride in adolescent and early developmental rats on dopaminergic system, including contents of dopamine and its metabolites (dihydroxy phenyl acetic acid and homovanillic acid) and tyrosine hydroxylase expressions both at gene and protein levels. Meanwhile, open-field behaviors of the rats are examined because of the regulatory effect of dopaminergic system on the behaviors. METHODS Open-field behaviors were evaluated by exploratory and motor behaviors. Dopamine and its metabolites were assayed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and protein expressions were determined by real-time qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. RESULTS It was found that in adolescent male rats, administration of finasteride at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg for 14 days dose dependently inhibited open-field behaviors, reduced contents of dopamine and its metabolites in frontal cortex, hippocampus, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, and down-regulated tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and protein expressions in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. However, there was no significant change of these parameters in early developmental rats after finasteride treatment. CONCLUSION These results suggest that finasteride inhibits dopaminergic system and open-field behaviors in adolescent male rats by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, and imply finasteride as a potential therapeutic option for neuropsychiatric disorders associated with hyperactivities of dopaminergic system and androgen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yun-Xiao Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Ji
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ying-Kun Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuang-Cheng Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiang-Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui-Xian Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ge-Ming Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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19
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Frau R, Bini V, Soggiu A, Scheggi S, Pardu A, Fanni S, Roncada P, Puligheddu M, Marrosu F, Caruso D, Devoto P, Bortolato M. The Neurosteroidogenic Enzyme 5α-Reductase Mediates Psychotic-Like Complications of Sleep Deprivation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:2196-2205. [PMID: 28102229 PMCID: PMC5603808 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute sleep deprivation (SD) can trigger or exacerbate psychosis- and mania-related symptoms; the neurobiological basis of these complications, however, remains elusive. Given the extensive involvement of neuroactive steroids in psychopathology, we hypothesized that the behavioral complications of SD may be contributed by 5α-reductase (5αR), the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of progesterone into the neurosteroid allopregnanolone. We first tested whether rats exposed to SD may exhibit brain-regional alterations in 5αR isoenzymes and neuroactive steroid levels; then, we assessed whether the behavioral and neuroendocrine alterations induced by SD may be differentially modulated by the administration of the 5αR inhibitor finasteride, as well as progesterone and allopregnanolone. SD selectively enhanced 5αR expression and activity, as well as AP levels, in the prefrontal cortex; furthermore, finasteride (10-100 mg/kg, IP) dose-dependently ameliorated PPI deficits, hyperactivity, and risk-taking behaviors, in a fashion akin to the antipsychotic haloperidol and the mood stabilizer lithium carbonate. Finally, PPI deficits were exacerbated by allopregnanolone (10 mg/kg, IP) and attenuated by progesterone (30 mg/kg, IP) in SD-subjected, but not control rats. Collectively, these results provide the first-ever evidence that 5αR mediates a number of psychosis- and mania-like complications of SD through imbalances in cortical levels of neuroactive steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Monserrato,
Italy,Tourette Syndrome Center,
Monserrato, Italy,Sleep Medicine Center; University of
Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Valentina Bini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Monserrato,
Italy,Tourette Syndrome Center,
Monserrato, Italy
| | - Alessio Soggiu
- ‘L. Spallanzani’ Institute,
Proteomics Section—Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health,
University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental
Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA
| | - Alessandra Pardu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Monserrato,
Italy
| | - Silvia Fanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Monserrato,
Italy
| | - Paola Roncada
- ‘L. Spallanzani’ Institute,
Proteomics Section—Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health,
University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Tourette Syndrome Center,
Monserrato, Italy,Sleep Medicine Center; University of
Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy,Department of Public Health, Section of
Neurology, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Francesco Marrosu
- Tourette Syndrome Center,
Monserrato, Italy,Sleep Medicine Center; University of
Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy,Department of Public Health, Section of
Neurology, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Department of Pharmacological and
Biomolecular Sciences, Center of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases,
University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Monserrato,
Italy,Tourette Syndrome Center,
Monserrato, Italy,Sleep Medicine Center; University of
Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, UT, USA,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of
Pharmacy, University of Utah, Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30S 2000
E, Salt Lake City
84112, UT, USA, Tel: 801 587 3352, Fax:
801 585 5111, E-mail:
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Butylated hydroxyanisole alters rat 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: Implications for influences of neurosteroidogenesis. Neurosci Lett 2017; 653:132-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Frau R, Savoia P, Fanni S, Fiorentini C, Fidalgo C, Tronci E, Stancampiano R, Meloni M, Cannas A, Marrosu F, Bortolato M, Devoto P, Missale C, Carta M. The 5-alpha reductase inhibitor finasteride reduces dyskinesia in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol 2017; 291:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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22
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Exploring the neural mechanisms of finasteride: a proteomic analysis in the nucleus accumbens. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 74:387-396. [PMID: 27750143 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme 5α-reductase (5αR) catalyzes the conversion of progesterone and testosterone into neuroactive steroids implicated in a wide array of behavioral functions. The prototypical 5αR inhibitor, finasteride (FIN), is clinically approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recent evidence has shown that FIN, albeit generally well tolerated, can induce untoward psychological effects in a subset of patients; furthermore, this drug may have therapeutic efficacy for a number of different neuropsychiatric conditions, ranging from Tourette syndrome to schizophrenia. In rat models of these conditions, FIN has been shown to block the effects of dopamine receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a key terminal of the dopamine mesolimbic system. The biological underpinnings of these effects, however, remain mostly elusive. To elucidate the neurochemical networks that may be responsible for the behavioral effects of FIN, we evaluated the proteomic profile of the NAcc following acute (100mg/kg, IP) and subchronic (7 days; 100mg/kg/day, IP) treatment with this drug, in comparison with vehicle treatment (n=5/group). Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis coupled to mass spectrometry revealed significant changes in the expression of nine proteins (CRMP2, PSMD1, STX18, KCNC3, CYP255, GABRP, GABT, PRPS1, CYP2B3), which were further analyzed by ontological classification (PANTHER). These results point to a number of novel potential chemical targets of FIN, and may help elucidate the underpinnings of FIN's behavioral effects and therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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23
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Frau R, Mosher LJ, Bini V, Pillolla G, Pes R, Saba P, Fanni S, Devoto P, Bortolato M. The neurosteroidogenic enzyme 5α-reductase modulates the role of D1 dopamine receptors in rat sensorimotor gating. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 63:59-67. [PMID: 26415119 PMCID: PMC4695380 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids exert diverse modulatory actions on dopamine neurotransmission and signaling. We previously documented that the enzyme 5α-reductase, which catalyzes the main rate-limiting step in neurosteroid synthesis, is required for the behavioral responses of Sprague-Dawley rats to non-selective dopaminergic agonists, such as the D1-D2 receptor agonist apomorphine. Specifically, systemic and intra-accumbal administrations of the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride countered apomorphine-induced deficits of sensorimotor gating, as measured by the prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex; the classes of dopamine receptors involved in these effects, however, remain unknown. Prior rodent studies have revealed that the contributions of dopamine receptors to PPI regulation vary depending on the genetic background; thus, we analyzed the effect of finasteride on the PPI deficits induced by selective dopamine receptor agonists in Long-Evans (a strain exhibiting PPI deficits in response to both D1 and D2 receptor agonists) and Sprague-Dawley rats (which display PPI reductions following treatment with D2, and D3, but not D1 receptor agonists). In Long-Evans rats, finasteride opposed the PPI deficits induced by activation of D1, but not D2 receptors; conversely, in Sprague-Dawley rats, finasteride prevented the reductions in %PPI and accumbal dopamine extracellular levels caused by selective stimulation of D3, but not D2 receptors; however, the effects on %PPI were not confirmed by analyses on absolute PPI values. Our findings suggest that 5α-reductase modulates the effects of D1, but not D2 receptor agonists on sensorimotor gating. These data may help elucidate the role of neurosteroids in neuropsychiatric disorders featuring PPI deficits, including schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome.
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MESH Headings
- 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Dopamine Agonists/pharmacology
- Finasteride/pharmacology
- Male
- Microdialysis
- Nucleus Accumbens/drug effects
- Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism
- Prepulse Inhibition/drug effects
- Prepulse Inhibition/physiology
- Rats
- Rats, Long-Evans
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/drug effects
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/drug effects
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D3/drug effects
- Receptors, Dopamine D3/metabolism
- Reflex, Startle/drug effects
- Reflex, Startle/physiology
- Sensory Gating/drug effects
- Sensory Gating/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Frau
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura J Mosher
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Problem Gambling Research Studies (ProGResS) Network, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Valentina Bini
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuliano Pillolla
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Romina Pes
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Fanni
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- "Guy Everett" Laboratory, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy; Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Tourette Syndrome Center, University of Cagliari, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Problem Gambling Research Studies (ProGResS) Network, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
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