Abstract
Neurosteroids play essential roles in the control of central nervous system functions during physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing evidences show gender differences in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of several neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), possibly due to the action of sex hormones during critical periods of brain development. Furthermore, it is known that neuroactive steroids contribute to neuroprotection, spinogenesis, synaptogenesis, as well as to modulation of neuronal excitability via their interaction with GABA receptors. Dysfunctions of GABAergic signaling early in development lead to a severe excitation-inhibition unbalance in neuronal circuits, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of autism.
In this review, we summarize recent data concerning the functional role of neurosteroids and their relationship with the GABAergic system, focusing on GABA-mediated neurotrasmission alterations characterizing some neurodevelopmental disorders.
Keywords: Brain sexual dimorphism, neurosteroids, neurodevelopmental disorders, GABA receptors, autism, synaptic plasticity, estrogen, androgen.
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:Focusing on the Interactions between the GABAergic System and Neurosteroids in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Volume: 19 Issue: 36
Author(s): Francesca Fanelli, Ramona Marino and Flavio Keller
Affiliation:
Keywords: Brain sexual dimorphism, neurosteroids, neurodevelopmental disorders, GABA receptors, autism, synaptic plasticity, estrogen, androgen.
Abstract: Neurosteroids play essential roles in the control of central nervous system functions during physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing evidences show gender differences in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of several neurodevelopmental conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), possibly due to the action of sex hormones during critical periods of brain development. Furthermore, it is known that neuroactive steroids contribute to neuroprotection, spinogenesis, synaptogenesis, as well as to modulation of neuronal excitability via their interaction with GABA receptors. Dysfunctions of GABAergic signaling early in development lead to a severe excitation-inhibition unbalance in neuronal circuits, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of autism.
In this review, we summarize recent data concerning the functional role of neurosteroids and their relationship with the GABAergic system, focusing on GABA-mediated neurotrasmission alterations characterizing some neurodevelopmental disorders.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Fanelli Francesca, Marino Ramona and Keller Flavio, Focusing on the Interactions between the GABAergic System and Neurosteroids in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2013; 19 (36) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612811319360009
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612811319360009 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Lipid Nanocarriers for Neurotherapeutics: Introduction, Challenges,
Blood-brain Barrier, and Promises of Delivery Approaches
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Inhibitors of Mammalian Central Nervous System Selective Amino Acid Transporters
Current Medicinal Chemistry Age-Specific Impairment of Morris Water Maze Performance Following Neonatal Exposure to Magnetic Resonance Image in Rats
Current Neurovascular Research Patent Selections:
Recent Patents and Topics on Imaging (Discontinued) Inherited Copper Transport Disorders: Biochemical Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Current Drug Metabolism Anticonvulsant Activity of New GABA Prodrugs
Medicinal Chemistry Desensitization of 5-HT-1A Somatodentritic Receptors in Tryptophan Treated and Co-treated Rats Induced by Methylphenidate
Current Clinical Pharmacology Molecular Biomarkers for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Current Bioinformatics Insights into Anti-Trypanosomal Agents Based on Synthetic Glycoconjugates
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry MiR-125a-5p Alleviates Dysfunction and Inflammation of Pentylenetetrazol- induced Epilepsy Through Targeting Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase IV (CAMK4)
Current Neurovascular Research Brain Magnetic Stimulation in Animal Models: A Valuable Lesson for Clinical Applications
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets From the Molecular Mechanism to Pre-clinical Results: Anti-epileptic Effects of Fingolimod
Current Neuropharmacology Structural Bioinformatics in Broad-Spectrum Racemases: A New Path in Antimicrobial Research
Current Organic Chemistry Mitochondrial Involvement in Psychiatric Illness in Adults
Current Psychiatry Reviews Tau Pathology and Future Therapeutics
Current Alzheimer Research RhoGEFs in Cell Motility: Novel Links Between Rgnef and Focal Adhesion Kinase
Current Molecular Medicine Collateral Damage Control in Cancer Therapy: Defining the Stem Identity in Gliomas
Current Pharmaceutical Design GABAA Receptors, Anesthetics and Anticonvulsants in Brain Development
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Therapeutic Potential of Group III Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors
Current Medicinal Chemistry Anticonvulsant Activity and 5-HT1A/5-HT7 Receptors Affinity of Piperazine Derivatives of 3,3-Diphenyl- and 3,3-Dimethyl-succinimides
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery