Progesterone alters GABA and glutamate responsiveness: a possible mechanism for its anxiolytic action

Sheryl S. Smith, Barry D. Waterhouse, John K. Chapin, Donald J. Woodward

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

217 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, the neuromodulatory effects of progesterone were tested in an intact neuronal circuit of a model extrahypothalamic CNS area. Spontaneous discharge and responses of single cerebellar Purkinje neurons to microiontophoretically applied γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate were monitored before, during and after either systemic injection, at physiologic doses, or local application of the steroid. By both means of administration, progesterone significantly enhanced inhibitory responses of Purkinje cells to GABA and suppressed glutamate excitation within 3-10 min post-steroid. These results are consistent with the anxiolytic actions of the steroid.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)353-359
Number of pages7
JournalBrain Research
Volume400
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 6 1987
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Developmental Biology

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