Estrogen and the aging brain.
Evidence is presented indicating a role for estrogen in the function and maintenance of the aging brain. Based on complementary data that estrogen regulates the function of the immune--brain barrier, the hypothesis is presented that estrogen contributes to brain homeostasis via regulation of microglial activation, enabling immune-privileged status in the brain. Diminished estrogen levels during the menopause compromise the immune--brain barrier fostering inflammatory processes in the brain. This has potentially lethal consequences for brain cells, and may contribute to brain pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease.
Silva
I
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., FMB 335, PO Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA.
Mor
G
G
Naftolin
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001921:Brain; D004967:Estrogens; D006801:Humans
D004967:Estrogens