A G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor is involved in hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis.

ABSTRACT: Estrogens are involved in the hypothalamic control of multiple homeostatic functions including reproduction, stress responses, energy metabolism, sleep cycles, temperature regulation, and motivated behaviors. The critical role of 17beta-estradiol (E2) is evident in hypoestrogenic states (e.g., postmenopause) in which many of these functions go awry. The actions of E2 in the brain have been attributed to the activation of estrogen receptors alpha and beta through nuclear, cytoplasmic, or membrane actions. However, we have identified a putative membrane-associated estrogen receptor that is coupled to desensitization of GABAB and mu-opioid receptors in guinea pig and mouse hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons. We have synthesized a new nonsteroidal compound, STX, which selectively targets

SUBMITTER: Qiu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2678732 | biostudies-literature | 2006 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature