Publications by authors named "Iratxe Ciriza"
Estradiol (E(2)) modulates affective and socio-sexual behavior of female rodents. E(2)'s functional effects may involve actions through alpha and beta isoforms of estrogen receptor (ERs). The importance of E(2)'s actions at these isoforms for anxiety (open field, elevated plus maze), depression (forced swim test), and sexual behavior (lordosis) was investigated using an antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) strategy.
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- Progesterone demonstrates neuroprotective properties in neurodegeneration, particularly by being metabolized into neuroactive metabolites like DHP and THP.
- In an experimental model with ovariectomized rats and kainic acid, progesterone increased DHP and THP levels, preventing neuronal loss, while synthetic progestin MPA did not show similar effects.
- The inhibition of specific enzymes involved in progesterone metabolism (5alpha-reductase and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) disrupted the neuroprotection, highlighting the importance of these metabolites for progesterone's protective benefits.
Neuroprotective effects of estradiol are well characterized in animal experimental models. However, in humans, the outcome of estrogen treatment for cognitive function and neurological diseases is very controversial. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may represent an alternative to estrogen for the treatment or the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
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