title: Neuroprotective effects of gonadal steroids on regenerating peripheral motoneurons.
abstract: In this review, the neuroprotective actions of testosterone on three different populations of injured rat peripheral motoneurons, i.e. facial (FMN), spinal (SMN) and pudendal (PMN), will be discussed. We have extrapolated concepts from the neuroendocrine field regarding the trophic effects of gonadal steroids on target neural tissue to the nerve regeneration field. Exogenous administration of testosterone immediately after nerve injury impacts positively on functional recovery through actions mediated by the androgen receptor. The mechanism by which steroidal enhancement of the regenerative properties of injured motoneurons occurs may involve pre-existing androgen receptors, heat shock proteins, and modulation of the cellular stress response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA. kjones1@luc.edu
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Damaser
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy; D006066:Gonads / Q000378:metabolism; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000188:drug therapy; D013256:Steroids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D013256:Steroids; D013739:Testosterone