Steroid biosynthesis within the frog brain: A model of neuroendocrine regulation

Jean Luc Do Rego, Jae Young Seong, Delphine Burel, Van Luu-The, Dan Larhammar, Kazuyoshi Tsutsui, Georges Pelletier, Marie Christine Tonon, Hubert Vaudry*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    20 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    There is now clear evidence that the brain, similar to the adrenal gland, gonads, and placenta, is a steroidogenic organ. Notably in the frog brain, the presence of various steroidogenic enzymes has been detected by immunohistochemistry in specific populations of neurons and/or glial cells. These steroidogenic enzymes are biologically active, as shown by the ability of brain tissue explants to convert [3H]pregnenolone into various radiolabeled steroids. The frog brain has also been extensively used as a model to study the mechanism of regulation of neurosteroidogenesis by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. It has been demonstrated that the biosynthesis of neurosteroids is inhibited by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acting through GABAA receptors, and neuropeptide Y, acting through Y1 receptors, and is stimulated by the octadecaneuropeptide (ODN), acting through central-type benzodiazepine receptors, triakontatetraneuropeptide (TTN), acting through peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors, and vasotocin, acting through V1a-like receptors. These data indicate that some of the neurophysiological effects of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may be mediated through modulation of neurosteroid biosynthesis.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
    Pages83-92
    Number of pages10
    Volume1163
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009 Apr

    Publication series

    NameAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
    Volume1163
    ISSN (Print)00778923
    ISSN (Electronic)17496632

    Keywords

    • Amphibians
    • Brain
    • Neuropeptides
    • Neurosteroids
    • Neurotransmitters

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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