Assessing the utility of the neurosteroid zuranolone to modify alcohol-related behaviours

Abstract

Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for premature mortality, yet effective pharmacotherapies remain limited. Neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone, modulate γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors and influence alcohol-related behaviours. Zuranolone, an orally bioavailable synthetic analogue of allopregnanolone recently approved for postpartum depression, represents a potential candidate for therapeutic repurposing in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we assessed the effects of acute and daily zuranolone on alcohol-related behaviours in a preclinical binge drinking model, comparing outcomes across sexes and contrasted to the effects of allopregnanolone. Allopregnanolone produced dose..