allopregnanolone

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allopregnanolone

·August 21, 2021·5 min read

Neuroactive Steroids May Induce Prolonged Antidepressant Effects by Altering Brain States

Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid used in the treatment of postpartum depression, alters neural communication in the basolateral amygdala, an area of the brain associated with emotion and mood regulation. The drug may alter the network associated with chronic stress, which may explain its persistent antidepressant effect.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 16, 2021·7 min read

Loss of Placental Hormone Linked to Brain and Social Behavior Changes

Reduced amounts of the placental hormone allopregnanolone caused behavioral and developmental changes in the brains of male mouse offspring similar to those seen in autism.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·October 21, 2019·2 min read

Autism spectrum disorder risk linked to insufficient placental steroid

When the hormone allopregnanolone (ALLO) abruptly decreases or stops during pregnancy, children are more likely to develop autism. Researchers report a single ALLO injection during pregnancy can avert the brain abnormalities and social behaviors associated with ASD in experimental mouse models of autism.

This shows the lead research looking after a baby in a neonatal ward

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 27, 2019·3 min read

Placental function linked to brain injuries associated with autism

Disruptions in the supply of allopregnanolone, a hormone created by the placenta late in pregnancy, to the developing fetus can leave children more vulnerable to brain injuries associated with ASD. Losing the supply of ALLO alters cerebellar development, an area of the brain critical for motor coordination and social cognition, impacting the post-birth development of cerebellar white matter. An experimental model revealed deficient cerebellar white matter resulted in social impairments and an increase in repetitive behaviors, two hallmark features associated with autism.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·November 10, 2017·6 min read

Both Obese and Anorexic Women Have Low Levels of ‘Feel Good’ Neurosteroid

Women who suffer from eating disorders from anorexia to obesity have lower levels of allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite previously linked to mood disorders, a new study reports.