Neuroprotective effects of estrogens following ischemic stroke.
Our laboratory has investigated whether and how 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) protects the brain against neurodegeneration associated with cerebrovascular stroke. We have discovered that low, physiological concentrations of E(2), which are strikingly similar to low-basal circulating levels found in cycling mice, dramatically protect the brain against stroke injury, and consequently revealed multiple signaling pathways and key genes that mediate protective action of E(2). Here we will review the discoveries comprising our current understanding of neuroprotective actions of estrogens against ischemic stroke. These findings may carry far reaching implications for improving the quality of life in aging populations.
Suzuki
Shotaro
S
Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, and Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1237, USA.
Brown
Candice M
CM
Wise
Phyllis M
PM
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000378:metabolism; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; C506487:ESR1 protein, human; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D004967:Estrogens; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate