The neurosteroidogenic enzyme 5α-reductase modulates the role of D1 dopamine receptors in rat sensorimotor gating.

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

SUBMITTER: Frau R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4695380 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature