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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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Elevated Plus Maze for Mice
Published on: December 22, 2008
Progesterone withdrawal effects in the open field test can be predicted by elevated plus maze performance
Magnus Löfgren1, Inga-Maj Johansson, Bengt Meyerson
1Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University Hospital, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
Hormones and Behavior
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Progesterone withdrawal effects, similar to alcohol withdrawal, depend on individual risk-taking behaviors. Rats showing higher exploration exhibited greater sensitivity to progesterone withdrawal (PWD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, modulates neural function via GABA(A) receptors.
- Withdrawal symptoms from allopregnanolone resemble those of alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate progesterone withdrawal effects in relation to individual differences in exploration and risk-taking.
- To explore potential parallels between progesterone withdrawal and conditions like PMS/PMDD.
Main Methods:
- Rats were assessed for baseline exploration and risk-taking using the elevated plus maze (EPM).
- Hormonal treatment involved daily progesterone or vehicle injections, followed by estradiol and a 24-hour withdrawal period.
- Behavioral responses were evaluated in the open field test (OF) post-withdrawal.
Main Results:
- Progesterone-treated rats exhibited open area avoidance in the OF, indicating withdrawal effects.
- Individual differences in EPM behavior correlated with OF responses in controls but not in the progesterone group.
- Rats with higher baseline exploration and risk-taking showed increased sensitivity to progesterone withdrawal.
Conclusions:
- Progesterone withdrawal effects are influenced by an individual's baseline exploration and risk-taking tendencies.
- These findings suggest a link between neurosteroid withdrawal, individual traits, and potential implications for mood disorders.
