Synthesis and impact of neuroestradiol on hippocampal neuronal networks

Azcoitia, Íñigo; Hernández‐Vivanco, Alicia; Cano-Adamuz, Nuria; Méndez, Pablo

doi:10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100335

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 67 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In the adult brain, sex hormones regulate neuronal function and influence cognition through sexspecific actions in the hippocampus (Fleischer and Frick, 2023), a brain structure involved in learning, memory and spatial navigation. Sex-specific hormonal effects support basic neuronal mechanisms underlying cognitive function (Azcoitia et al, 2022;Yagi and Galea, 2019) and have been linked to the sex bias in the prevalence of neurodevelopment disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability (Bölte et al, 2023). Moreover, changes in sex hormone levels and reproductive function interact with aging in promoting cognitive deficits (Zárate et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Activational and organizational effects of sex hormones on hippocampal inhibition

Hernández-Vivanco,

Montes-Mellado,

de la Vega-Ruiz

et al. 2024

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Peripheral and brain-produced sex hormones exert sex-specific regulation of hippocampal cognitive function. Estrogen produced by neuronal aromatase regulates inhibitory neurons (INs) and hippocampal-dependent memory in adult females but not in male mice. How and when this sex effect is stablished and how peripheral and brain sources of estrogen interact in the control of hippocampal INs is currently unknown. Using ex-vivo electrophysiology, molecular analysis, estrous cycle monitoring and neonatal hormonal manipulations, we show evidences that suggest that neuron-derived estrogen and peripheral hormones independently exert activational effects on CA1 synaptic inhibition and perineuronal nets (PNNs) surrounding parvalbumin (PV)-expressing INs. Before puberty, aromatase is expressed in PV INs and regulates synaptic inhibition in female but not in male mice. Neonatal testosterone abolished the effect of brain-derived estrogen on adult female synaptic inhibition and disrupted brain-derived estrogen regulation of PV IN PNNs. Our results suggest that sex differences in brain-derived estrogen effects on CA1 inhibition are established by organizational effects of neonatal gonadal hormones and highlight the role of INs as mediators of the sexual differentiation of the hippocampus.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Activational and organizational effects of sex hormones on hippocampal inhibition

Hernández-Vivanco,

Montes-Mellado,

de la Vega-Ruiz

et al. 2024

Preprint

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Estrogenic regulation of hippocampal inhibitory system across lifespan

Méndez,

de la Vega‐Ruiz,

Montes‐Mellado

2024

J Neuroendocrinology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Estrogens produced in peripheral tissues and locally in the brain are potent neuromodulators. The function of the hippocampus, a brain region essential for episodic memory and spatial navigation, relies on the activity of ensembles of excitatory neurons whose activity is temporally and spatially coordinated by a wide diversity of inhibitory neurons (INs) types. Over the last years, we have accumulated evidence that indicates that estrogens regulate the function of hippocampal INs through different mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation and rapid nongenomic signaling. Here, we argue that the well‐documented influence of estrogens on episodic memory may be related to the actions of local and peripheral estrogens on the heterogenous populations of hippocampal INs. We discuss how physiological changes in peripheral sex hormone levels throughout lifespan may interact with local brain sources to regulate IN function at different stages of life, from early hippocampal development to the aging brain. We conclude that considering INs as mediators of sex hormone actions in the hippocampus across the healthy life span will benefit our understanding of sex‐biased neurodevelopmental disorders and physiological aging.

show abstract

Gender and Neurosteroids: Implications for Brain Function, Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation

Raciti

Formica

Raciti

et al. 2023

IJMS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the nervous system; they mainly moderate neuronal excitability, and reach target cells via the extracellular pathway. The synthesis of neurosteroids occurs in peripheral tissues such as gonads tissues, liver, and skin; then, because of their high lipophilia, they cross the blood–brain barrier and are stored in the brain structure. Neurosteroidogenesis occurs in brain regions such as the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala by enzymes necessary for the in situ synthesis of progesterone from cholesterol. Neurosteroids could be considered the main players in both sexual steroid-induced hippocampal synaptic plasticity and normal transmission in the hippocampus. Moreover, they show a double function of increasing spine density and enhancing long term potentiation, and have been related to the memory-enhancing effects of sexual steroids. Estrogen and progesterone affect neuronal plasticity differently in males and females, especially regarding changes in the structure and function of neurons in different regions of the brain. Estradiol administration in postmenopausal women allowed for improving cognitive performance, and the combination with aerobic motor exercise seems to enhance this effect. The paired association between rehabilitation and neurosteroids treatment could provide a boosting effect in order to promote neuroplasticity and therefore functional recovery in neurological patients. The aim of this review is to investigate the mechanisms of action of neurosteroids as well as their sex-dependent differences in brain function and their role in neuroplasticity and rehabilitation.

show abstract

Synthesis and impact of neuroestradiol on hippocampal neuronal networks

Cited by 3 publications

References 67 publications

Activational and organizational effects of sex hormones on hippocampal inhibition

Activational and organizational effects of sex hormones on hippocampal inhibition

Estrogenic regulation of hippocampal inhibitory system across lifespan

Gender and Neurosteroids: Implications for Brain Function, Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About