Basic science studies have revealed a strong cellular and molecular basis for these clinical observations. GDC-0973 molecular weight Recent insights into the molecular events that underlie estrogen-mediated neuroprotection encompass actions that range from its pharmacological, antioxidant mechanisms to its physiological, estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent mechanisms.

Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical The results of the studies that reveal estrogen’s neuroprotective actions and mechanisms carry exciting and far-reaching possibilities for improving the quality of life of our aging population. As we continue to discover how estrogens act in the brain to promote enhanced neural function and exert protective effects against degeneration, we will be able to design hormones that exert, only beneficial effects in the body. Estrogen, the menopause, and hormone replacement Estrogen Estrogens are synthesized Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical predominantly in the ovary as 18-carbon steroids with

an aromatic A-ring. They act on multiple endocrine targets and arc synthesized in many forms. Most clinical and basic science studies have focused attention on the actions of estradiol, the most potent and biologically active form of estrogen that circulates in the body prior to the menopause. Menopause Because the menopause impacts the health of so many women, investigators have focused on understanding driving factors that govern Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical this change. For many years, it was accepted that the menopause resulted simply from the depletion of the postmitotic pool of ovarian follicles that Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical is set down during embryonic development.1 Clearly the exhaustion of this reservoir necessarily means that a woman is permanently postmenopausal and can no longer produce offspring with her genetic makeup. As importantly, since the ovarian follicles are not only the source of germ cells, but Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical are also the primary source of estradiol, plasma concentrations of this hormone drop precipitously during the postmenopausal years and remain low for the remainder of a woman’s life, unless she chooses to take hormone replacement therapy. Whether

or not the brain plays a role in the transition to the menopause has been a topic of active debate. Results from studies using animal models have suggested that aging of the brain and a declining ability Tryptophan synthase to provide coordinated neurochemical signals that, are required for ovulation contribute to reproductive senescence. However, whether these findings are relevant to the human menopause has been less clear. Recently, an increasing number of researchers have begun to appreciate that the brain may play an important role in the sequence of events leading to menopause in humans. Several findings lead to this conclusion. First, the pattern of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and the levels of folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) secretion change before women enter the perimenopausal period. These changes are likely to reflect, changes in the pattern of hypothalamic hormone secretion.