title: Effects of neurosteroids on neuronal survival: molecular basis and clinical perspectives.
abstract: Neurosteroids have long been known to act as important s of central nervous system functions. The concept of their mechanism of action, however, have essentially undergone an evolution. Previously, these compounds were postulated to regulate neuronal function mainly via allosteric regulation of some membrane-bound receptors, such as GABA(A) and NMDA receptors, in a non-genomic way. Recent studies have provided evidence for intracellular targets for neurosteroids, e.g., transcription factors (NFkappa-B, progesterone receptors), protein inases (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase C), or microtubule-associated proteins, i.e. factors essential in regulation of neuronal survival and apoptosis. This paper reviews in vitro and in vivo data on neurosteroid involvement in the regulation of neurodegenerative processes with emphasis on new intracellular and genomic mechanisms of their action. Potential utility of neurosteroids in the treatment of some neurodegenerative disorders has been also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Science, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Leśkiewicz
authors.forename: Bogusława
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Budziszewska
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Basta-Kaim
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zajac
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaciński
authors.forename: Władysław
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lasoń
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D013256:Steroids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D013256:Steroids