The anticonvulsant effects of progesterone and its metabolites

    January 2008 in “ TSpace ”
    Deborah Sara Lonsdale
    TLDR 5alpha-DHP may be a safe, effective treatment for certain seizures without causing sedation.
    The study investigated the anticonvulsant effects of progesterone and its metabolites on amygdala-kindled seizures in rats, an animal model for human complex partial seizures. Progesterone, 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alpha-DHP), allopregnanolone, and 3alpha-dihydroprogesterone (3alpha-DHP) showed anticonvulsant properties, with 5alpha-DHP being the most effective, particularly against the amygdala focal seizure, which models human complex partial seizures. 5alpha-DHP was unique in not causing sedation or ataxia, suggesting its potential as a nontoxic treatment for drug-resistant human complex partial seizures. 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone (20alpha-DHP) did not exhibit anticonvulsant effects at the doses tested.
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