Effects of neonatal and adolescent neuroactive steroid manipulation on locomotor activity induced by ethanol in male wistar rats

Results indicated that early adolescent progesterone induced anxiolytic-like effects (increase in the percentage of entries and time in open arms). Neonatal finasteride administration decreased locomotor activity induced by ethanol in adolescent vehicle subjects. Interestingly, differences induced by neonatal treatments were not present in the animals that received progesterone in the early adolescence. In conclusion, neuroactive steroid manipulations in crucial stages of development could be playing an important role in behavioural effects of alcohol such as the sensitivity to locomotor stimulation.