Activation of Trk neurotrophin receptors by glucocorticoids provides a neuroprotective effect.

ABSTRACT: Glucocorticoids (GCs) display both protective and destructive effects in the nervous system. In excess, GCs produce neuronal damage after stress or brain injury; however, the neuroprotective effects of adrenal steroids also have been reported. The mechanisms that account for the positive actions are not well understood. Here we report that GCs can selectively activate Trk receptor tyrosine kinases after in vivo administration in the brain and in cultures of hippocampal and cortical neurons. Trk receptors are normally activated by neurotrophins, such as NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, but the activation of Trk receptors by GCs does not depend on increased production of neurotrophins. Other tyrosine kinase receptors, such as EGF and FGF receptors, were not activated by GCs. The ab

SUBMITTER: Jeanneteau F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2290769 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature