I know this topic technically belongs in the studies sub-forum but I thought I'd post it here for more visibility. In late 2014 a study was published showing a complete relief of PSSD symptoms in rats treated with an antidepressant at birth. To date, this is the only journal reference I can find of this kind.
Hormone replacement with 17β-estradiol plus dihydrotestosterone restores male sexual behavior in rats treated neonatally with clomipramine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25449595
In the study, rats were given clomipramine neonatally, which induced severe PSSD-like symptoms that persisted through adulthood (almost zero interest in sex being one of them). Through blood tests it was found that the adult rats had normal levels of testosterone and estradiol. When treated with a course of estradiol+DHT, the symptoms were completely reversed.
Why might this have worked? Well, one theory is that PSSD is caused by persistent 5HT1A receptor desensitization. SERT is probably involved in this, along with sex steroids upstream of that. The following article shows a link between estradiol and SERT density.
Estradiol-17 beta increases serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA levels and the density of SERT-binding sites in female rat brain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9105666
[mention]gbolduev[/mention] has already mentioned how this fits under his progesterone theory. I was curious if anyone else has thoughts on this topic, as it might influence how we go about our trials moving forward. Unfortunately I am unable to find the full journal article at this time, which would likely include dosing information for the estradiol+DHT.
Hormone replacement with 17β-estradiol plus dihydrotestosterone restores male sexual behavior in rats treated neonatally with clomipramine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25449595
In the study, rats were given clomipramine neonatally, which induced severe PSSD-like symptoms that persisted through adulthood (almost zero interest in sex being one of them). Through blood tests it was found that the adult rats had normal levels of testosterone and estradiol. When treated with a course of estradiol+DHT, the symptoms were completely reversed.
Why might this have worked? Well, one theory is that PSSD is caused by persistent 5HT1A receptor desensitization. SERT is probably involved in this, along with sex steroids upstream of that. The following article shows a link between estradiol and SERT density.
Estradiol-17 beta increases serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA levels and the density of SERT-binding sites in female rat brain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9105666
[mention]gbolduev[/mention] has already mentioned how this fits under his progesterone theory. I was curious if anyone else has thoughts on this topic, as it might influence how we go about our trials moving forward. Unfortunately I am unable to find the full journal article at this time, which would likely include dosing information for the estradiol+DHT.