Neuropeptidergic control of neurosteroids biosynthesis

Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized within the central nervous system either from cholesterol or by metabolic reactions of circulating steroid hormone precursors. It has been suggested that neurosteroids exert pleiotmpic activities within the central nervous system, such as organization and activation of the central nervous system and behavioral regulation. It is also increasingly becoming clear that neuropeptides exert pleiotropic activities within the central nervous system, such as modulation of neuronal functions and regulation of behavior, besides traditional neuroendocrinological functions. It was hypothesized that some of the physiological functions of neuropeptides acting within the central nervous system may be through the regulation of neurosteroids biosynthesis. Various neuropeptides reviewed in this study possibly regulate neurostemids biosynthesis by controlling the activities of enzymes that catalyze the production of neurosteroids. It is now required to thoroughly investigate the neuropeptidergic control mechanisms of neurostemids biosynthesis to characterize the physiological significance of this new neuroendocrinological phenomenon.

Automated summary

Neurosteroids and neuropeptides play important pleiotropic roles in the central nervous system, potentially regulating the biosynthesis of neurosteroids by controlling enzyme activities. Investigating this regulatory mechanism is crucial for understanding the physiological significance of this new neuroendocrinological phenomenon.