Allopregnanolone

Allopregnanolone

Allopregnanolone (pronounced: al-oh-preg-nan-oh-lone), also known as 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one or 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone (3α,5α-THP), is a neurosteroid of the pregnanolone group. It is synthesized from progesterone, and is a potent positive allosteric modulator of the action at GABA_A receptors.

Etymology

The term "Allopregnanolone" is derived from "allo" (other), "pregnan" (pregnant), and "olone" (steroid). The term reflects the steroid's function and its derivation from progesterone.

Synthesis

Allopregnanolone is synthesized from progesterone in the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and brain. The conversion involves the enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which reduce progesterone to dihydroprogesterone (DHP), and then to allopregnanolone.

Function

Allopregnanolone acts as a potent positive allosteric modulator of the GABA_A receptor, enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. It also has effects on mood, memory, and stress response.

Related Terms

• Neurosteroid
• Pregnanolone
• Progesterone
• Allosteric modulator
• GABA
• 5α-reductase
• 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
• Dihydroprogesterone
• Adrenal glands
• Ovaries
• Testes
• Brain

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Allopregnanolone
• Wikipedia's article - Allopregnanolone

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