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Dehydroepiandrosterone – a neurosteroid
Author(s) -
Friess E.,
Schiffelholz T.,
Steckler T.,
Steiger A.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2000.0300s3046.x
Subject(s) - neuroactive steroid , dehydroepiandrosterone , dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate , endocrinology , human brain , neuroscience , medicine , chemistry , pharmacology , biology , receptor , hormone , androgen , gabaa receptor
Dehydroepiandrosteone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the major secretory products of the human adrenal glands and serve as precursors for both androgenic and estrogenic steroids. DHEA/S concentrations are particularly high in the brain, and DHEA/S and related steroids can be synthesized de novo in brain glial cells. Therefore, the term ‘neurosteroids’ has been coined for these compounds. This review summarizes findings in neurosteroid physiology on a cellular and molecular level, and outlines current concepts of how these compounds modulate physiological functions of the brain. Today, despite promising preclinical and human data the present clinical studies provide only weak evidence, if any, in favour of a DHEA replacement therapy.