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Corticosteroid receptors and neuroplasticity

Nuno Sousa1, João J Cerqueira, Osborne F X Almeida

  • 1Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. njcsousa@ecsaude.uminho.pt

Brain Research Reviews
|August 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The balance between mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors in the brain is crucial for stress response and behavior. Imbalances can lead to neurodegeneration and psychopathology, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The limbic system's mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptor balance is vital for neuronal function, stress response, and behavioral adaptation.
  • Dysregulation of the MR/GR balance in the brain renders nervous tissue susceptible to damage, impacting stress regulation and increasing psychopathology risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the neurobiological impact of MR/GR balance and imbalance on neuronal survival, neuroplasticity, and stress-related disorders.
  • To explore the differential effects of MR and GR activation on neuronal fate and plasticity.

Main Methods:

  • Critical analysis of existing scientific literature on MR/GR receptor function in the brain.
  • Review of studies examining corticosteroid effects on neuronal populations in both hippocampal and extra-hippocampal regions.

Main Results:

  • MR activation promotes pro-survival neuronal actions, whereas exclusive GR activation is linked to neurodegeneration.
  • Sustained co-activation of MR and GR, as seen in chronic stress, typically leads to dendritic atrophy and impaired synaptic plasticity rather than cell death.
  • Both hippocampal and extra-hippocampal neurons are sensitive to corticosteroid milieu changes, influencing neuroplasticity.

Conclusions:

  • The balance between MR and GR activation significantly influences neuroplasticity, including cell birth, death, and synaptic function.
  • Understanding these corticosteroid-mediated plastic changes offers potential therapeutic targets for stress-related psychiatric disorders.

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