Isoallopregnanolone antagonize allopregnanolone-induced effects on saccadic eye velocity and self-reported sedation in humans

• Allopregnanolone (AP) is an endogenous neurosteroid. It modulates the effect of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) on the GABA type A (GABA(A)) receptor, which leads to increased receptor activity. Since the GABA-system is mainly inhibitory, increased AP activity leads to modulation of neuronal activity. In vitro studies of GABA(A) receptor activity and in vivo animal studies of sedation have shown that AP-induced effects can be inhibited by another endogenous steroid, namely isoallopregnanolone (ISO). In this study we investigated if ISO can antagonize AP-induced effects in healthy female volunteers, via measurements of saccadic eye velocity (SEV) and self-rated sedation. With a single-blind cross-over design, 12 women were studied on three separate occasions; given AP alone or AP in combination with one of two ISO doses. Congruent with previous reports, AP administration decreased SEV and induced sedation and these effects were diminished by simultaneous ISO administration. Also, the ISO effect modulation was seemingly stronger for SEV than for sedation. These effects were observed already at an ISO dose exposure that was approximately half of that of AP. In conclusion, ISO antagonized AP-induced decrease in SEV and self-reported sedation, probably in a non-competitive manner.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Endokrinologi och diabetes (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Endocrinology and Diabetes (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Allopregnanolone

Isoallopregnanolone

Saccadic eye velocity

GABA(A) receptor

Sedation

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)