Allopregnanolone (AP)

THP; 3a,5a-Tetrahydro Progesterone

Allopregnanolone (AP)

Allopregnanolone, also known as 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone or THP, is an important neurosteroid in the human brain. It is a metabolite of progesterone and a barbiturate-like modulator of central gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors that modify a range of behaviors, including the stress response.

The 5β epimer of this compound is known as pregnanolone, and has very similar properties to allopregnanolone. Both compounds are found endogenously and have similar hypnotic and anxiolytic effects.

The production of allopregnanolone starts with 5-alpha-reductase converting progesterone into pregnanolone. After that, 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-steroid dehydrogenase converts the former into allopregnanolone.

Organism species: Pan-species (General)