Major theories of addiction propose that stress plays an important role in the motivation to abuse substances. Research suggests that the likelihood of an individual to abuse a substance is higher for someone with previous exposure to a stressful event than one without that prior experience (Reed et al., 2007). 5-α reduced neurosteroids are endogenous regulators of stress and anxiety and may play an important role in stress-induced sensitization, such as drug abuse perpetuated by previous or current stressful events (Bortolato et al., 2011). Allopregnanolone (AP) is a neurosteroid and a potent modulator of the GABAA receptors. In the present study, we examined the role of AP by using the 5-α reductase antagonist, finasteride. On days 1-2, 30 male Long-Evans rats were pretreated with vehicle, 10 mg/kg, or 25 mg/kg of finasteride. On day 3, rats received either control treatment or restraint stress. On day 4, all rats were tested for behavioral responses to saline and 1.0 mg/kg of d-amphetamine. Hippocampal tissue was extracted on day 5. Hippocampal AP levels and plasma corticosterone were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two-way ANOVA confirmed significance of stress on amphetamine-induced stereotypies but not of finasteride dose. Unfortunately, this study did not demonstrate a relationship between neurosteroids, stress, and amphetamine responses as we hypothesized. More research will need to be performed to observe to what extent neurosteroids could be involved in addiction. INTRODUCTION The chronic, recurring nature of addiction remains a widespread problem in the United States. Even after successful treatment and long-term abstinence, individuals may still relapse several months or years later. Animal and human studies also suggest long term and acute stressors increase sensitivity to cocaine and amphetamine (Sinha et al., 2006, Robinson and Becker, 1986). 5-α reduced neurosteroids may play an important role in stressinduced sensitization as endogenous regulators of stress and anxiety (Bortolato et al., 2011). Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine what role 5α-reduced neurosteroids might play in the development of stress-induced sensitization to amphetamines. This study is primarily based on another study performed by L.M Pritchard in 2005 titled SexSummer 2015 UNLV McNair Journal

McNair Research Journal - Summer 2015

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McNair Research Journal - Summer 2015