Neurosteroid Modulation of Inhibitory Neurotransmission (J Neuroendocrinol, 2022)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Journal of Neuroendocrinology, via PubMed · Published: August 22, 2026 · Accessed: August 22, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Endogenous metabolites of progesterone (and deoxycorticosterone) are potent, efficacious positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABA-A receptor.
• These neurosteroids exhibit anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, and sedative properties in preclinical studies, and at relatively high doses can induce a state of general anesthesia.
• The behavioral relevance is clinically recognized: the FDA approved allopregnanolone (brexanolone) for postpartum depression, and neurosteroids acting on GABA-A receptors influence neuronal signalling and behavior.