Pantelis Antonoudiou, PhD

Research Scientist: Neuroscience, Data Science, Machine Learning.

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Summary Brexanolone (allopregnanolone) is FDA-approved for postpartum depression but its long-lasting antidepressant effects are not fully understood. Using EEG, fMRI, and behavioral testing, we show allopregnanolone alters oscillatory states in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) via δ-GABAA receptors. These changes modulate behavioral states through unique mechanisms not shared by benzodiazepines.

Key findings:

  • Allopregnanolone and analogs modulate network oscillations across species.
  • δ-GABAA receptors in the BLA are key mediators.
  • Neurosteroid effects differ from traditional anxiolytics.
  • Optogenetic manipulation of BLA oscillatory states increases negative affective states.

Authors: Pantelis Antonoudiou, Phillip L. W. Colmers, Najah L. Walton, Grant L. Weiss, Anne C. Smith, David P. Nguyen, Mike Lewis, Michael C. Quirk, Lea Barros, Laverne C. Melon, Jamie L. Maguire

🔗 Read the paper (Biological Psychiatry) 📖 Available Open Access on PMC: PMCID: PMC8714669

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