(3 α,5α)3-Hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP) regulation of hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic corticotropin releasing factor (CRF): Sexual dimorphism and brain region specificity in Sprague Dawley rats.

In this study, we explored 3α,5α-THP regulation of hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic CRF mRNA and peptide expression, in male and female Sprague Dawley rats following vehicle or 3α,5α-THP administration (15 mg/kg). In the hypothalamus, we found sex differences in CRF mRNA expression (females +74%, p<0.01) and CRF peptide levels (females -71%, p<0.001). 3α,5α-THP administration reduced hypothalamic CRF mRNA expression only in males (-50%, p<0.05) and did not alter CRF peptide expression in either sex. In hippocampus and CeA, 3α,5α-THP administration reduced CRF peptide concentrations only in the male (hippocampus -29%, p<0.05; CeA -62%, p<0.01). In contrast, 3α,5α-THP injection increased CRF peptide concentration in the VTA of both males (+32%, p<0.01) and females (+26%, p<0.01). The results show sex and region-specific regulation of CRF signals and the response to 3α,5α-THP administration. This data may be key to successful development of therapeutic approaches for stress-related disorders and addiction. PMID: 33460689 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Neuropharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Neuropharmacology Source Type: research