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The potential involvement of cholinergic system in finasteride induced cognitive dysfunction.

Ashutosh Ahire1, Kala P Nair1, B S Shankaranarayana Rao1

  • 1Department of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, 560029, India.

Psychoneuroendocrinology
|November 29, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Finasteride administration in rats impaired spatial learning and social behavior, potentially via a cholinergic mechanism affecting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. These findings suggest neurosteroid-based treatments may help cognitive and affective disorders.

Keywords:
5α-reductaseAllopregnanoloneCognitionDepressionFinasterideMemory deficitsNeurosteroidsSpatial learning

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Neurosteroids play crucial roles in brain function.
  • Finasteride inhibits 5α-reductase, an enzyme in neurosteroid biosynthesis.
  • Clinical data links finasteride to affective and cognitive issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To model the effects of finasteride administration in rats.
  • To assess finasteride's impact on spatial learning and memory.
  • To evaluate finasteride's influence on social cognitive behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were trained on a partially baited radial arm maze (RAM).
  • Finasteride (30 or 100 mg/Kg) or vehicle was administered for 7 days.
  • Spatial memory, social interaction, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Finasteride (100 mg/Kg) impaired retention performance in the RAM task, increasing errors.
  • Finasteride reduced sociability and social preference in the social interaction test.
  • Reduced AChE activity was observed in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and septum.

Conclusions:

  • Repeated finasteride administration induces cognitive deficits and decreases social interaction.
  • These effects may be mediated by a cholinergic mechanism involving AChE.
  • Findings support further research into neurosteroid-based therapeutics for affective and cognitive disorders.