Neurosteroid

Neurosteroid

Neurosteroids (/nʊəroʊˈstɛrɔɪd/), also known as neural steroids, are a class of steroids synthesized in the brain. The term "neurosteroid" was coined by the French physiologist Etienne-Emile Baulieu and refers to steroids synthesized in the brain.

Etymology

The term "neurosteroid" is derived from the words "neuro", relating to the nervous system, and "steroid", a type of organic compound. The term was first used in the late 20th century.

Synthesis

Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol in the mitochondria of the glial cells and neurons in the brain. The process of neurosteroid synthesis involves several enzymatic reactions, with the key enzyme being P450scc, which converts cholesterol into pregnenolone, the precursor of all neurosteroids.

Types

There are several types of neurosteroids, including pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and their sulfates. Each of these neurosteroids has unique effects on brain function and behavior.

Function

Neurosteroids have a wide range of functions in the brain, including modulation of neurotransmitter activity, neuroprotection, and regulation of mood and cognition. They are also involved in the regulation of the stress response and have been implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Related Terms

• Steroid
• Cholesterol
• Mitochondria
• Glial cell
• Neuron
• P450scc
• Pregnenolone
• Progesterone
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Neurotransmitter
• Mood
• Cognition
• Stress response

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Neurosteroid
• Wikipedia's article - Neurosteroid

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