Classical studies of steroid hormones are concerned with their regulation of protein synthesis via the modulation of genomic transcription. But many of the actions of these hormones occur too rapidly to be explained in this manner, particularly their effects on the central nervous system. This text deals with recent discoveries showing that steroids can modulate the activity of some neurotransmitters. It explores the role of GABA as an important regulator of neuronal activity in the central nervous system and its inhibitory action as mediated via the GABA receptor and potentiated by steroids. In addition, the binding of steroids to cell membranes, the components involved and the outcome of such interactions are described. Also discusses possible uses of steroids as anesthetics and anticonvulsants.
Tabella dei contenuti
Partial table of contents:
Steroid Effects on Neuronal Activity: When Is the Genome
Involved?
(B. Mc Ewen, et al.).
Steroid Binding at sigma Receptors: CNS and Immunological
Implications (T. Su, et al.).
Effects of Progesterone and Its Metabolites on Neuronal
Membranes (V. Ramirez, et al.).
Effect of Oestradiol on Dopamine Receptors and Protein Kinase C
Activity in the Rat Pituitary: Binding of Oestradiol to Pituitary
Membranes (D. Joubert-Bression, et al.).
Effects of Prostaglandin E2 and Progesterone on Rat Brain
Synaptosomal Plasma Membranes (G. Deliconstantinos).
Steroids and Neuronal Destruction or Stabilization (E.
Hall).
Early and Late Effects of Steroid Hormones on the Central
Nervous System (B. Dubrovsky, et al.).
Index of Contributors.
Subject Index.
Circa l’autore
Derek J. Chadwick and Kate Widdows are editors for Steroids and Neuronal Activity and other scientific titles.