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A corticosteroid receptor in neuronal membranes
M Orchinik1, T F Murray, F L Moore
1Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 28, 1991
Summary
Scientists discovered a novel brain membrane receptor for steroids that rapidly influences behavior. This finding sheds light on how corticosteroids regulate neuronal function and reproductive behaviors in amphibians.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- Steroids rapidly affect neuronal function and behavior via direct membrane actions.
- The specific membrane-bound receptors mediating these steroid-induced behavioral changes remain unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize membrane-bound corticosteroid receptors in the amphibian brain.
- To investigate the role of these receptors in regulating steroid-induced behavioral responses.
Main Methods:
- Used [3H]Corticosterone to label specific high-affinity recognition sites in amphibian brain synaptic membranes.
- Employed receptor autoradiography to localize these binding sites within brain tissue.
- Assessed the affinities of various corticoids for the identified binding sites.
Main Results:
- Identified a population of specific, high-affinity [3H]Corticosterone recognition sites (Kd = 0.51 nM) in synaptic membranes.
- Localized these binding sites to the neuropil, distinct from neuronal perikarya.
- Demonstrated a linear correlation between corticoid affinities and their potency in suppressing male reproductive behavior.
Conclusions:
- The amphibian brain contains a corticosteroid receptor located in membranes.
- This membrane receptor likely plays a crucial role in the rapid regulation of behavior by steroids.
- This discovery opens new avenues for understanding neuroendocrine-behavioral interactions.