tokens: The present study was designed to evaluate two endogenous and one synthetic neuroactive steroid that positively modulate the gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA ( A )) receptor against the increase in sensitivity to the convulsant effects of cocaine engendered by repeated cocaine administration ( seizure kindling ). Allopregnanolone ( 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one ), pregnanolone ( 3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-20-one ) and ganaxolone ( a synthetic derivative of allopregnanolone 3alpha-hydroxy-3beta-methyl-5alpha-pregnan-20-one ) were tested for their ability to suppress the expression ( anticonvulsant effect ) and development ( antiepileptogenic effect ) of cocaine - kindled seizures in male , Swiss - Webster mice .