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Neurosteroids regulate mouse aggression induced by anabolic androgenic steroids
Fabio Pibiri1, Marianela Nelson, Giovanni Carboni
1Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Neuroreport
|September 8, 2006
Summary
Testosterone abuse in isolated female mice caused aggression linked to neurosteroid changes. Allopregnanolone or S-norfluoxetine normalized neurosteroids and reduced aggression, highlighting neurosteroids
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is linked to aggression, anxiety, and depression, suggesting GABAergic neurotransmission dysfunction.
- Social isolation can exacerbate behavioral changes associated with AAS.
- Neurosteroids play a crucial role in regulating mood and behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of testosterone propionate on aggression and neurosteroid levels in socially isolated female mice.
- To explore the potential of allopregnanolone and S-norfluoxetine in mitigating AAS-induced aggression.
Main Methods:
- Socially isolated female mice were treated with testosterone propionate for 3 weeks.
- Changes in aggression, neurosteroid levels, and GABA-A receptor subunit mRNA expression were analyzed.
- Mice were subsequently treated with allopregnanolone or S-norfluoxetine to assess their effects.
Main Results:
- Testosterone propionate treatment induced aggression and downregulated neurosteroids in isolated female mice.
- Significant alterations in cortical GABA-A receptor subunit mRNA expression were observed (decreased alpha1, alpha2, gamma2; increased alpha4, alpha5).
- Allopregnanolone and S-norfluoxetine normalized neurosteroid levels and abolished aggression without affecting serotonin reuptake.
Conclusions:
- Neurosteroid dysregulation is a key mechanism underlying testosterone-induced aggression in socially isolated female mice.
- Targeting neurosteroid pathways with agents like allopregnanolone or S-norfluoxetine offers a potential therapeutic strategy for AAS-related behavioral disturbances.
