Neurosteroids in learning and memory processes
International Review of Neurobiology. 2001-01-01; : 273-320
DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(01)46066-1
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1. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2001;46:273-320. doi: 10.1016/s0074-7742(01)46066-1.
Neurosteroids in learning and memory processes.
Vallée M(1), Mayo W, Koob GF, Le Moal M.
Author information:
(1)INSERM U.259, Institut François Magendie, Domaine de Carreire, 33077
Bordeaux, France.
The discovery that neurosteroids could be synthesized de novo in the brain
independent from the periphery and display neuronal actions led to great
enthusiasm for the study of their physiological role. Pharmacological studies
suggest that neurosteroids may be involved in several physiological processes,
such as learning and memory. This chapter summarizes the effects of the
administration of neurosteroids on learning and memory capabilities in rodents
and in models of amnesia. We address the central mechanisms involved in
mediating the modulation of learning and memory processes by neurosteroids. In
this regard, the neurosteroid-modulated neurotransmitter systems, such as
gamma-aminobutyric acid type A, N-methyl-D-aspartate, and cholinergic and sigma
opioid systems, appear to be potential targets for the rapid memory alteration
actions of neurosteroids. Moreover, given that some neurosteroids affect
neuronal plasticity, this neuronal change could be involved in the long-term
modulation of learning and memory processes. To understand the role of
endogeneous neurosteroids in learning and memory processes, we present some
physiological studies in rodents and humans. However, the latter do not
successfully prove a role of endogenous neurosteroids in age-related memory
impairments. Finally, we discuss the relative implication of a given
neurosteroid vs its metabolites. For this question, a new approach using the
quantitative determination of traces of neurosteroids by mass spectrometry seems
to have potential for examining the role of each neurosteroid in discrete brain
areas in learning and memory alterations, as observed during aging.
DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(01)46066-1
PMID: 11599303 [Indexed for MEDLINE]