Background
Alterations in the γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system have been identified
in some populations with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods
To further investigate factors of relevance to GABAergic neurotransmission in PTSD,
we measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of allopregnanolone and pregnanolone
combined (ALLO: congeners that potently and positively modulate effects of GABA at
the GABAA receptor), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (5α-DHP: the immediate precursor for allopregnanolone),
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA: a negative modulator of GABAA receptor function), and progesterone with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry in
premenopausal women with (n = 9) and without (n = 10) PTSD. Subjects were free of psychotropic medications, alcohol, and illicit
drugs; all were in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle except three healthy
and four PTSD subjects receiving oral contraceptives.
Results
There were no group differences in progesterone, 5α-DHP, or DHEA levels. The PTSD
group ALLO levels were < 39% of healthy group levels. The ALLO/DHEA ratio correlated
negatively with PTSD re-experiencing symptoms (n = −.82, p < 008; trend) and with Profile of Mood State depression/dejection scores (n = −0.70, p < 0008).
Conclusion
Low CSF ALLO levels in premenopausal women with PTSD might contribute to an imbalance
in inhibitory versus excitatory neurotransmission, resulting in increased PTSD re-experiencing
and depressive symptoms.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 25, 2006
Accepted:
March 7,
2006
Received in revised form:
March 3,
2006
Received:
August 10,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
