Effects of chronic benzodiazepine exposure on stress-induced neuroactive steroid levels

Since the neuroactive steroid 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (3 alp ha,5 alpha-THP) has pharmacologic actions similar to benzodiazepine agonist s such as diazepam, the influences of chronic diazepam exposure on stress-i nduced brain levels of 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP were examined. Groups of male, f emale, orchidectomized (ORCH), and ovariectomized (OVX) rats were compared, along with OVX groups given hormone replacement. Chronic diazepam exposure diminished stress-induced brain levels of 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP and serum co rticosterone, although gender, gonadectomy and hormone replacement had disp arate influences on these two endocrine responses to stress. (C) 1999 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.