Neurosteroid

Neurosteroids are a subclass of steroids that are synthesized in the brain, particularly in the glial cells. They are involved in a wide range of functions, including modulation of neurotransmitter systems, neuroprotection, and the regulation of myelination.

Synthesis

Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol in the mitochondria of glial cells. The first step in this process is the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone by the enzyme P450scc. Pregnenolone is then converted to progesterone by the enzyme 3β-HSD. Progesterone can be further converted to other neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), by various enzymes.

Functions

Neurosteroids have a wide range of functions in the brain. They can modulate the activity of various neurotransmitter systems, including the GABAergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic systems. They also have neuroprotective effects, and can promote the survival and growth of neurons. In addition, they are involved in the regulation of myelination, the process by which glial cells form a protective sheath around neurons.

Clinical significance

Alterations in neurosteroid levels have been implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. As a result, neurosteroids are being investigated as potential therapeutic agents for these conditions.

See also

• Steroid
• Neurotransmitter
• Glial cell
• Myelination
• Cholesterol
• Pregnenolone
• Progesterone
• Allopregnanolone
• Tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone
• GABA
• Glutamate
• Acetylcholine
• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Alzheimer's disease

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