Medycyna Wet. 65 (10), 674-678, 2009
full text
| Kędzierski W. |
| Mechanism of the action of estrogens on nerve-centers in the brain that regulate the sexual behavior of females |
| The study discusses molecular mechanisms of the action of estrogens (E) in the brain and their effect on sexual behavior in females. E increase the synthesis of the neuromediators: oxytocin and dopamine in the brain. E also influence K+ channel activity in neurons. Specific intracellular E receptors exist in the neurons. These receptors bind E and then activate a regulatory mechanism dependent on the protein G complex and on the cyclical AMP response element binding proteins (CREB). As a result, synaptic activity of the neurons increase and the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene also take place. Moreover, E stimulate the synthesis of the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG plays a role as a steroids transporter and also as a signaling substance in the brain. |
| Keywords: behavior, brain, estrogens, estrus |