title: Action of estrogen on survival of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons: promoting amelioration.
abstract: Extensive studies during the past two decades provide compelling evidence that the gonadal steroid, estrogen, has the potential to affect the viability of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. These observations reflect a unique ameliorative feature of estrogen as it restores and protects the cholinergic neurons against noxious stimuli or neurodegenerative processes. Hence, we first address the ameliorative function of estrogen on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons such as the actions of estrogen on neuronal plasticity of cholinergic neurons, estrogen-induced memory enhancement and the ameliorative role of estrogen on cholinergic neuron related neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease. Second, we survey recent data as to possible mechanisms underlying the ameliorative actions of estrogen; influencing the amyloid precursor protein processing, enhancement in neurotrophin receptor signaling and estrogen-induced non-classical actions on second messenger systems. In addition, clinical relevance, pitfalls and future aspects of estrogen therapy on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons will be discussed.
authors: Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. istvan.abraham@otago.ac.nz
authors: István M
authors: IM
authors: Abrahám
authors: Zsombor
authors: Z
authors: Koszegi
authors: Emeline
authors: E
authors: Tolod-Kemp
authors: Eva M
authors: EM
authors: Szego
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002799:Cholinergic Fibers / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; D004967:Estrogens; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents