Gonadal steroids as promoters of neuro-glial plasticity.
Estradiol induces coordinated modifications in the extension of glial and neuronal processes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of adult female rats. This hormonal effect results in natural fluctuations in the ensheathing of arcuate neurons by glial processes and these glial changes are linked to a remodelling of inhibitory GABAergic synapses during the estrous cycle. Hormonally induced glial and synaptic changes appear to be dependent on specific recognition or adhesion molecules on the neuronal and/or glial membranes.
Garcia-Segura
L M
LM
Instituto Cajal, C.S.I.C., Madrid, Spain.
Chowen
J A
JA
Dueñas
M
M
Torres-Aleman
I
I
Naftolin
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D013570:Synaptic Membranes / Q000502:physiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology
D004967:Estrogens; D011374:Progesterone; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid