Impaired Endogenous Neurosteroid Signaling Contributes to Behavioral Deficits Associated With Chronic Stress.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric illnesses, including depression. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms whereby stress leads to mood disorders remain unclear. Allopregnanolone acts as a positive allosteric modulator preferentially on δ subunit-containing GABA_A (gamma-aminobutyric acid A) receptors. Accumulating clinical and preclinical evidence supports the antidepressant effects of exogenous administration of allopregnanolone analogs; yet, the role of endogenous allopregnanolone in the pathophysiology of depression remains unknown.

Methods

We utilized a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) mouse model, followed by behavioral and biochemical assays, to examine whether altered neurosteroid signaling contributes to behavioral outco

SUBMITTER: Walton NL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10363189 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature