Effects of metoclopramide on mRNA levels of 5α-reductase isozymes in rat brain

Abstract

Prolactin and 3alpha, 5alpha-reduced neurosteroids are implicated in maternal behavior. Sulpiride, an inductor of hyperprolactinemia, increased mRNA levels of 5alpha-reductase (5alpha-R), the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of these neurosteroids, indicating a possible interrelationship between prolactin levels and 5alpha-R, although the effects of sulpiride per se cannot be ruled out. In this study, we quantified mRNA levels of both 5alpha-R isozymes in prefrontal cortex of rats after the administration of metoclopramide, another inductor of prolactin secretion. The mRNA levels of both 5alpha-R isozymes were significantly increased in male and female rats by metoclopramide, although the effect was not identical to that of sulpiride. Therefore, other factors induced by these drugs, besides prolactin, may intervene in the regulation of both 5alpha-R isozymes.