New Insights into the Regulation and Function of Brain Estrogen Synthase (Aromatase)

[en] In the brain, conversion of androgens into estrogens by the enzyme aromatase (estrogen synthase) is a key mechanism by which testosterone regulates many physiological and behavioral processes, including the activation of male sexual behavior, brain sexual differentiation and negative feedback effects of steroid hormones on gonadotropin secretion. Studies on the distribution and regulation of brain aromatase have led to a new perspective on the control and function of this enzyme. A growing body of evidence indicates that the estrogen regulation of aromatase is, at least in part, trans-synaptic. Afferent catecholamine pathways appear to regulate aromatase activity in some brain areas and thereby provide a way for environmental cues to modulate this enzyme.The localization of aromatase in pre-synaptic boutons suggests possible roles for estrogens at the synapse.

Disciplines :

Neurosciences & behavior
Zoology
Endocrinology, metabolism & nutrition

Author, co-author :

Balthazart, Jacques ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences biomédicales et précliniques > Biologie de la différenciation sexuelle du cerveau

Ball, G. F.

Language :

English

Title :

New Insights into the Regulation and Function of Brain Estrogen Synthase (Aromatase)

Publication date :

June 1998

Journal title :

Trends in Neurosciences

ISSN :

0166-2236

Publisher :

Elsevier, Netherlands

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

243-9

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Available on ORBi :

since 27 April 2009

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Scopus citations^®

262

Scopus citations^®
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212

OpenCitations

187

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