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Neurosteroidogenesis: Insights from Studies of Songbirds

Neurosteroidogenesis: Insights from Studies of Songbirds The long‐held dogma that the brain is a target of steroids produced by peripheral organs has delayed the widespread acceptance of the functional importance of neurosteroidogenesis. Comparative studies have been vital for establishing the key actions of gonadal and adrenal hormones on brain and behaviour. No doubt, studies across diverse phyla will continue to be crucial for revealing the true significance of neurosteroidogenesis to proper function of the vertebrate brain. Here, we review work carried out in our laboratory, as well as in others, highlighting advances to our understanding of brain steroid synthesis and action using songbirds as animal models. These studies show that steroidogenic transporters and enzymes are present in the songbird brain and that their expression and/or activities are subject to developmental, seasonal or short‐term regulation. Our work in a songbird points to synaptic synthesis of neuroactive steroids and fast, perisynaptic membrane actions. Combined with evidence for rapid steroidal control of behaviour, these studies firmly establish a neuromodulatory role for avian neurosteroids. We hope this work will join with that of other species to embolden the acceptance of neurosteroidal signalling as a core property of vertebrate neurobiology. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Neuroendocrinology Wiley

Neurosteroidogenesis: Insights from Studies of Songbirds

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References (82)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
© 2011 The Authors. Journal of Neuroendocrinology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
ISSN
0953-8194
eISSN
1365-2826
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02150.x
pmid
21535249
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The long‐held dogma that the brain is a target of steroids produced by peripheral organs has delayed the widespread acceptance of the functional importance of neurosteroidogenesis. Comparative studies have been vital for establishing the key actions of gonadal and adrenal hormones on brain and behaviour. No doubt, studies across diverse phyla will continue to be crucial for revealing the true significance of neurosteroidogenesis to proper function of the vertebrate brain. Here, we review work carried out in our laboratory, as well as in others, highlighting advances to our understanding of brain steroid synthesis and action using songbirds as animal models. These studies show that steroidogenic transporters and enzymes are present in the songbird brain and that their expression and/or activities are subject to developmental, seasonal or short‐term regulation. Our work in a songbird points to synaptic synthesis of neuroactive steroids and fast, perisynaptic membrane actions. Combined with evidence for rapid steroidal control of behaviour, these studies firmly establish a neuromodulatory role for avian neurosteroids. We hope this work will join with that of other species to embolden the acceptance of neurosteroidal signalling as a core property of vertebrate neurobiology.

Journal

Journal of NeuroendocrinologyWiley

Published: Jan 1, 2012

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