Actions of 3α,5α-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone on single neurones of the mesencephalic reticular formation in the rat

Bidirectional effects of the neuroactive steroid tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone on GABA‐activated Cl− currents in cultured rat hypothalamic neurons

“…Binding of the convulsant t ‐butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) to the GABA A receptor ( Majewska et al ., 1986 ; Gee et al ., 1988 ; Turner et al ., 1990 ) and the uptake of radioactive labelled Cl − into synaptoneurosomes was also shown to be modulated by these neuroactive steroids ( Majewska et al ., 1986 ; Morrow et al ., 1989 ; Purdy et al ., 1990 ). Finally, using electrophysiological methods, it was demonstrated that A‐ring reduced pregnanes modulate GABA‐induced Cl − currents in cultured rat hippocampal and spinal cord neurons ( Majewska et al ., 1986 ; Barker et al ., 1987 ; Harrison et al ., 1987b ; Twyman & MacDonald, 1992 ; Hauser et al ., 1995 ), in slice preparations of the rat cortex ( Teschemacher et al ., 1995 ), and in the rat mesencephalic reticular formation in situ ( Ermirio et al ., 1989 ).…”

Modulation of GABAA receptors by neurosteroids. A new concept to improve cognitive and motor alterations in hepatic encephalopathy

“…Some neurosteroids (allopregnanolone, tetrahydrodeoxy-corticosterone: THDOC; 5alpha-androstane-3alpha-17betadiol; pregnanolone) enhance and others (dehydroepiandrosterone: DHEA; DHEA sulfate ester and pregnenolone sulfate) reduce GABAA receptors activation (Majewska et al, 1986;1988;1990;Ermirio et al, 1989;Paul and Purdy, 1992;Barbaccia et al, 2000;Belelli and Lambert, 2005). The effects of some neurosteroids depend on the subunit composition of GABAA receptors.…”