Neuroreport. 2009 Jan 7;20(1):93-6.
Effects of metoclopramide on mRNA levels of 5alpha-reductase isozymes in rat brain.
Sánchez P, Torres JM, Vílchez P, del Moral RG, Ortega E.
Source
Department of aBiochemistry, San Cecilio University Hospital and School of Medicine, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain.
Abstract
Prolactin and 3alpha, 5alpha-reduced neurosteroids are implicated in maternal behavior. Sulpiride, an inductor of hyperprolactinemia, increased mRNA levels of 5alpha-reductase (5alpha-R), the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of these neurosteroids, indicating a possible interrelationship between prolactin levels and 5alpha-R, although the effects of sulpiride per se cannot be ruled out. In this study, we quantified mRNA levels of both 5alpha-R isozymes in prefrontal cortex of rats after the administration of metoclopramide, another inductor of prolactin secretion. The mRNA levels of both 5alpha-R isozymes were significantly increased in male and female rats by metoclopramide, although the effect was not identical to that of sulpiride. Therefore, other factors induced by these drugs, besides prolactin, may intervene in the regulation of both 5alpha-R isozymes.
PMID: 18978642[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18978642
Metoclopramide
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metoclopramide
It appears to bind to dopamine D2 receptors where it is a receptor antagonist, and is also a mixed 5-HT3 receptor antagonist/ 5-HT4 receptor agonist.
The antiemetic action of metoclopramide is due to its antagonist activity at D2 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the central nervous system (CNS)—this action prevents nausea and vomiting triggered by most stimuli.[8] At higher doses, 5-HT3 antagonist activity may also contribute to the antiemetic effect.
The gastroprokinetic activity of metoclopramide is mediated by muscarinic activity, D2 receptor antagonist activity and 5-HT4 receptor agonist activity.[9][10] The gastroprokinetic effect itself may also contribute to the antiemetic effect. Metoclopramide also increases the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.[11]
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