Potential clinical uses of neuroactive steroids.
Neuroactive steroids rapidly modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate receptors. GABA-enhancing steroids have potential clinical utility as anesthetics, hypnotics, anticonvulsants and anxiolytics. Furthermore, GABAergic neurosteroids may participate in regulating mood and the effects of alcohol on the nervous system, suggesting a potential role in major psychiatric disorders. Neuroactive steroids that alter the function of glutamate receptors could be useful for treating neurodegenerative disorders, and as cognitive enhancers. Recent progress in developing water-soluble steroids and steroids with enhanced oral efficacy foster optimism that certain neuroactive steroids will be developed for clinical use.
Zorumski
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Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. zorumskc@psychiatry.wustl.edu
Mennerick
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Isenberg
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Covey
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D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007473:Ion Channels; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D013256:Steroids