Effects of estradiol on the basal and evoked efflux of norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from slices of rat hypothalamus.
17-beta-Estradiol, at a concentration (100 ng/ml) approaching plasma levels found in pregnant women, inhibited the K+-evoked efflux of endogenous norepinephrine from superfused slices of rat hypothalamus. The same concentration of estradiol increased slightly the basal efflux of serotonin. Since estradiol crosses the blood-brain barrier with ease it is suggested that the inhibition of norepinephrine release from central neurons may contribute to the depression and emotional lability sometimes associated with estradiol therapy.
D000818:Animals; D002369:Castration; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin; D004958:Estradiol; D009638:Norepinephrine