Neurosteroidogenesis Today: Novel Targets for Neuroactive Steroid Synthesis and Action and Their Relevance for Translational Research.

ABSTRACT: Neuroactive steroids are endogenous neuromodulators synthesised in the brain that rapidly alter neuronal excitability by binding to membrane receptors, in addition to the regulation of gene expression via intracellular steroid receptors. Neuroactive steroids induce potent anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, sedative, analgesic and amnesic effects, mainly through interaction with the GABAA receptor. They also exert neuroprotective, neurotrophic and antiapoptotic effects in several animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroactive steroids regulate many physiological functions, such as the stress response, puberty, the ovarian cycle, pregnancy and reward. Their levels are altered in several neuropsychiatric and neurological diseases and both preclinical and clinical studies em

SUBMITTER: Porcu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4769676 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature