Neuroscience and Neurobiology Commons^™

Estrogen Influences On The Developing Rat Hippocampus Through Interactions With The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor And P160 Coactivator Proteins, Derek Tyler Solum

Dissertations

In addition to their primary role in the maintenance and regulation of reproductive capacity, ovarian steroid hormones acting through specific nuclear receptors influence more general neurobiological functions, such as perceptual-spatial skills and learning and memory. Estrogens act to alter certain aspects of cognitive performance and pathology such as epileptic seizure activity and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, ovarian steroids act during development to alter the neuronal cytoarchitecture and synaptic connectivity. These early influences of steroids on the brain are essentially permanent and in part determine the steroid responsiveness of the adult brain. The mechanism and sites of action for the effects of …