Journal
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
Volume 24, Issue 1, Pages 16-21Publisher
WILEY-BLACKWELL
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02150.x
Keywords
songbirds; sex steroids; oestrogens; aromatase
Categories
Funding
- NINDS [F32NS058009, K99/R00 NS066179]
- NIMH [061994]
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE [K99NS066179, R00NS066179, F32NS058009] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
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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.
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