Hippocampal pyramidal neurons and granule neurons of adult male rats are equipped with a complete machinery for the synthesis of pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17beta-estradiol and testosterone as well as their sulfate esters. These brain neurosteroids are synthesized by cytochrome P450s (P450scc, P45017alpha and P450arom) from endogenous cholesterol. Synthesis is acutely dependent on the Ca(2+) influx attendant upon neuron-neuron communication via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Pregnenolone sulfate, estradiol and corticosterone rapidly modulate neuronal signal transduction and the induction of long-term potentiation via NMDA receptors and putative membrane steroid receptors. Brain neurosteroids are therefore promising neuromodulators that may either activate or inactivate neuron-neuron communication, thereby mediating learning and memory in the hippocampus.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0304-4165(02)00489-0 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Neurotoxic effects of citronellol induced by the conversion of kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine.
J Hazard Mater
December 2024
Zebrafish Translational Medical Research Center, Korea University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:
Citronellol is widely utilized in consumer products, including cosmetics, fragrances, and household items. However, despite being considered a relatively safe chemical, the health effects and toxicity mechanisms associated with exposure to high concentrations of citronellol, based on product content, remain inadequately understood. Here, we aimed to analyze the neurological effects of citronellol in zebrafish larvae using behavioral and histological analyses and elucidate the mechanisms underlying its neurotoxicity in vivo.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) ligand etifoxine in an animal model of anxiety: Line- and sex-dependent effects on emotionality, stress reactivity, spine density, oxytocin receptors, steroids, and microbiome composition.
Neuropharmacology
December 2024
Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. Electronic address:
The treatment of stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression is still challenging. One potential therapeutical option are neurosteroids. Their synthesis is promoted by ligands of the mitochondrial translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFrom bugs to brain: unravelling the GABA signalling networks in the brain-gut-microbiome axis.
Brain
December 2024
School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK.
Convergent data, across species, paint a compelling picture of the critical role of the gut and its resident microbiota in several brain functions and disorders. The chemicals mediating communication along these sophisticated highways of the brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis include both microbiota metabolites and classical neurotransmitters. Amongst the latter, GABA is fundamental to brain function where it mediates the majority of neuronal inhibition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeurosteroids and Translocator Protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammation.
Neurochem Int
December 2024
Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy. Electronic address:
Neurosteroids have a crucial role in physiological intrinsic regulations of the Central Nervous System functions. They are derived from peripheral steroidogenic sources and from the de novo neurosteroidogenic capacity of brain cells. Significant alterations of neurosteroid levels have been frequently observed in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA Recent Update on the Role of Estrogen and Progesterone in Alzheimer's Disease.
Cell Biochem Funct
December 2024
Department of Biochemistry, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease responsible for 60%-80% dementia cases globally. The disease is more prevalent among elder females. Female reproductive hormones are found to be essential for cellular activities in brain.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!