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Brain androgen and progesterone metabolizing enzymes: biosynthesis, distribution and function.
E D Lephart1, T D Lund, T L Horvath
1Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, 633 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, USA. edwin_lephart@byu.edu
Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Brain aromatase (P450aro) and 5alpha-reductase enzymes are crucial for developing sexually dimorphic brain structures. Phytoestrogens may influence these enzymes and impact spatial memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Steroid biochemistry
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Brain aromatase (P450aro) and 5alpha-reductase are key enzymes in neurosteroid metabolism.
- These enzymes play a role in the development of sexually dimorphic brain structures.
- Calbindin (CALB) is a calcium-binding protein regulated by metabolites of P450aro and 5alpha-reductase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biosynthesis, distribution, and function of brain P450aro and 5alpha-reductase.
- To examine the impact of these enzymes on sexually dimorphic nuclei (SDN, AVPV).
- To explore the role of CALB and the effects of phytoestrogens on brain enzyme activity and spatial memory.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of P450aro and 5alpha-reductase.
- Analysis of their role in sexual differentiation of the brain.
- Consideration of phytoestrogen effects on enzyme activity and spatial memory in rats.
Main Results:
- P450aro and 5alpha-reductase are critical for establishing sexually dimorphic brain regions like the SDN and AVPV.
- Metabolites of these enzymes regulate CALB, potentially influencing brain sexual differentiation.
- Phytoestrogens may inhibit brain P450aro and 5alpha-reductase, affecting spatial memory.
Conclusions:
- Brain P450aro and 5alpha-reductase are essential for sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function.
- Phytoestrogens represent a potential modulator of these neurosteroidogenic pathways.
- Dietary phytoestrogen levels may influence cognitive functions like visual spatial memory.