Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/804573

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Title
Pregnane steroids and short-term neural plasticity
Author/Creator
Saalmann, Yuri B.;  Calford, Mike B.
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
Description
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory transmitter in the brain, and its fast effects are mediated by the GABA-A receptor. It is well known, from pharmacological manipulations, that many exogenous agents alter the efficacy of GABA-A receptors. For example, benzodiazepines increase the effect of GABA and some β-carbolines reduce the effect of GABA at these receptors. Increasing the strength of neuronal inhibition can prevent seizures, reduce anxiety and be neuroprotective. There are also endogenous mechanisms that increase efficacy. For example, more GABA-A receptors can be synthesized and inserted into synapses, but this requires up to 1 h or more. On a shorter timescale, GABAergic inhibition can be potentiated by steroids, e.g., allopregnanolone, synthesized de novo in neural tissue or derived from peripheral endocrine organs. The widespread distribution of these neuroactive steroids across the brain suggests an extensive role in short-term neural plasticity.
Relation
Neuroactive Steroids in Brain Function, Behavior, and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Novel Strategies for Research and Treatment p. 187-200
Relation
http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-1-4020-6853-9/#section=153992&page=1
Date
2008
Publisher
Springer
Keyword(s)
allopregnanolone;  allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone;  GABA;  gain control;  homeostasis
Resource Type
book chapter
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/804573
Identifier
ISBN:9781402068539
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Subject
"Pregnane steroids and short-term neural plasticity"
 
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