Abstract Allopregnanolone, a 3α, 5α‐progesterone metabolite, acts as a potent allosteric
modulator of the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor. In the present review, the synthesis of …

Like other classes of treatments described in this issue's section, neuroactive steroids have
been studied for decades but have risen as a new class of rapid-acting, durable …

The estrous cycle is a potent modulator of neuron physiology. In rodents, in vivo ventral
tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) activity has been shown to fluctuate across the estrous …

Women are more sensitive to cocaine craving elicited by stimuli associated with relapse.
Ovarian hormones modulate cocaine craving and may therefore function as risk factors or …

Affective disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent
psychiatric illnesses and causes of disability worldwide. The recent FDA-approval of a novel …

The mesocorticolimbic system coordinates executive functions, such as working memory
and behavioral flexibility. This circuit includes dopaminergic projections from the ventral …

Studies in the 1980s revealed endogenous metabolites of progesterone and
deoxycorticosterone to be potent, efficacious, positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the …

The striatal brain regions encompassing the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc), shell (NAcs)
and caudate-putamen (CPu) regulate cognitive functions including motivated behaviors …

The rapid relief of depressive symptoms is a major medical requirement for effective
treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD). A decrease in neuroactive steroids …

Clinically, women appear to be more susceptible to certain aspects of substance use
disorders (SUDs). The steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) have …