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Related Experiment Videos

Brain aromatase is neuroprotective.

I Azcoitia1, A Sierra, S Veiga

  • 1Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, E-28040 Madrid, Spain.

Journal of Neurobiology
|May 15, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Brain aromatase, the enzyme converting androgens to estrogens, plays a key role in neuroprotection. Inactivating aromatase increases vulnerability to neurodegeneration, while its product, estradiol, offers protection.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Aromatase expression increases in the brain post-injury, suggesting a neuroprotective role.
  • Estrogen biosynthesis from androgens is mediated by aromatase.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neuroprotective effects of aromatase and its product, estradiol, in neurodegeneration models.
  • To determine if aromatase deficiency enhances neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed neurodegeneration using domoic acid and kainic acid in gonadectomized, aromatase-deficient, and fadrozole-treated mice and rats.
  • Administered testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone to evaluate their protective effects.

Main Results:

  • Aromatase deficiency and inhibition increased neuronal loss in response to neurotoxins.

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  • Testosterone and estradiol protected against neurodegeneration, while dihydrotestosterone did not.
  • Local cerebral administration of an aromatase inhibitor exacerbated neurodegeneration.

    • Conclusions:

    • Aromatization of testosterone to estradiol is crucial for neuroprotection.
    • Brain aromatase activity is neuroprotective and may be a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.