Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Rapid Golgi Stain for Dendritic Spine Visualization in Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex
Published on: December 3, 2021
Estradiol promotes spine growth and synapse formation without affecting pre-established networks
Pablo Mendez1, Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura, Dominique Muller
1Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Estrogens regulate dendritic spine density, but the mechanism and significance of this effect for brain networks remain unknown. We used repetitive imaging over several days to investigate how 17β-estradiol affected the turnover and long-term behavior of dendritic spines in CA1 cells of hippocampal slice cultures. We find that 17β-estradiol and serum in the culture medium tightly regulated spine density by promoting an increase in the rate of new spine formation and their transformation into synapses, without affecting spine elimination or stability. New spines formed during a transient 17β-estradiol application were preferentially eliminated upon removal of the hormone, in contrast with pre-existing spines that remained unaffected. Our results reveal that 17β-estradiol transiently regulates the complexity of hippocampal circuits without causing major alterations of pre-existing networks.
Related Concept Videos
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
Neurotransmitters
Neuroplasticity
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

