Allopregnanolone (ALLO)

Allopregnanolone is a neuroactive steroid and a metabolite of progesterone. It functions primarily as a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. It exhibits anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant properties, and it plays a role in neurogenesis. Dysregulation of allopregnanolone levels or sensitivity is implicated in mood disorders, particularly postpartum depression and stress-induced psychiatric conditions, making it a therapeutic target for these disorders.

Other names

3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesteroneTHP

Positive allosteric modulator of GABA_A receptors, enhancing GABAergic inhibition by increasing chloride ion influx. Can directly activate GABA_A receptors at high concentrations.