Authors: Azcoitia I.; Garcia-Segura L. M.; DonCarlos L. L.

Source: Current Neuropharmacology, Volume 2, Number 2, April 2004 , pp. 245-259(15)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Since the pioneering experiments demonstrating that oestradiol and related hormones can alter CNS responses other than the control of sexual behaviour, the hippocampus has been utilised as a valuable experimental model for deciphering the multiple roles of sex steroids in the mammalian brain. These roles include the regulation by oestradiol of neuronal and glial proliferation and survival throughout the lifespan, neuroprotection after insults, and the synaptic modulation essential for consolidation of learning and memory. Oestradiol exerts all these functions by various routes, including its receptor-mediated control of transcription, activation of intracellular signal transduction cascades, cross-talk with signalling mechanisms activated by other molecules, such as growth factors, allosteric modulation of membrane proteins, and its antioxidant properties. This review is focussed on the manner in which oestradiol exerts its effects within the hippocampus, and summarizes data on the distribution of known oestrogen receptors as well as how oestradiol modulates nuclear transcription and cell signalling events.

Keywords: cell signalling; oestradiol; oestrogen receptors; gonadal steroids

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159043476783

Affiliations: 1: Departamento de Biologia Celular, Facultad de Biologia, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.

Publication date: 2004-04-01

More about this publication?

• Current Neuropharmacology aims to provide current, timely and comprehensive reviews of all areas of neuropharmacology and related matters of neuroscience. The journal publishes reviews written by experts and leaders in the fields of molecular, cellular, and systems/behavioural aspects of neuropharmacology and neuroscience. The journal serves as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary expert forum for neuropharmacologists and neuroscientists.

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