De novo synthesized estradiol protects against methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat hippocampal slices.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Estrogen, a class of female sex steroids, is neuroprotective. Estrogen is synthesized in specific areas of the brain. There is a possibility that the de novo synthesized estrogen exerts protective effect in brain, although direct evidence for the neuroprotective function of brain-synthesized estrogen has not been clearly demonstrated. Methylmercury (MeHg) is a neurotoxin that induces neuronal degeneration in the central nervous system. The neurotoxicity of MeHg is region-specific, and the molecular mechanisms for the selective neurotoxicity are not well defined. In this study, the protective effect of de novo synthesized 17β-estradiol on MeHg-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampus was examined.

Methodology/principal findings

Neurotoxic effect of MeHg on hippocam

SUBMITTER: Yamazaki T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3566000 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature