Effects of sulpiride on prolactin and mRNA levels of steroid 5alpha-reductase isozymes in adult rat brain.

Abstract

Prolactin (PRL) promotes maternal behavior (MB), a complex pattern of behavior aimed at maximizing offspring survival. 3alpha,5alpha-reduced neurosteroids may also regulate MB. Indeed, PRL, 3alpha,5alpha-reduced neurosteroids, and 5alpha-reductase (5alpha-R), the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of these neuroactive steroids, are all increased in stress situations These facts led us to hypothesize a possible interrelation between PRL levels and 5alpha-R. In the present study we quantified mRNA levels of both 5alpha-R isozymes in prefrontal cortex of male and female rats after administration of sulpiride, an inductor of PRL secretion. Our results demonstrated that mRNA levels of both 5alpha-R isozymes were significantly increased in male and female rats by sulpiride, directly or via sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia. Since 3alpha,5alpha-reduced neurosteroids and PRL exert anxiolytic effects in response to stress, these molecules and 5alpha-R may possibly participate in a common pathway of significant adaptation to stress situations.

• Authors: Pilar Sánchez, Jesús M Torres, Pablo Vílchez, Raimundo G Del Moral, Esperanza Ortega
• Journal: Neurochemical research (Neurochem Res) Vol. 33 Issue 5 Pg. 820-5 (May 2008) ISSN: 0364-3190 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17940878 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Isoenzymes
• RNA, Messenger
• Sulpiride
• Prolactin
• 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase

Topics

• 3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase (genetics)
• Animals
• Female
• Frontal Lobe (drug effects, enzymology, metabolism)
• Isoenzymes (genetics)
• Male
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Prolactin (blood)
• RNA, Messenger (genetics)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Sulpiride (pharmacology)