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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Focused Ultrasound Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Opening for Targeting Brain Structures and Evaluating Chemogenetic Neuromodulation

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Published on: December 22, 2020

Selective estrogen receptor modulators as brain therapeutic agents.

María Angeles Arevalo¹, María Santos-Galindo, Natalia Lagunas

¹Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, E-28002 Madrid, Spain.

Journal of Molecular Endocrinology

|November 13, 2010

Summary

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) show neuroprotective effects, reducing neural damage in various brain conditions. Novel SERMs targeting neurons and glial cells offer potential new brain therapies.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Pharmacology
Endocrinology

Background:

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are clinically used for breast cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms.
SERMs exert effects beyond reproductive tissues, including the central nervous system.
Emerging evidence suggests SERMs possess neuroprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the neurobiological effects of SERMs.
To explore the potential of SERMs in treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
To highlight the therapeutic promise of novel SERMs for brain health.

Main Methods:

Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on SERMs and the nervous system.
Analysis of experimental models for neural trauma, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and affective disorders.
Examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying SERM neuroprotection.

Main Results:

Certain SERMs demonstrate neuroprotective effects across diverse experimental models.
SERMs have shown efficacy in reducing neural damage and improving outcomes in models of brain injury and disease.
Specific SERMs modulate neuronal and glial cell functions.

Conclusions:

SERMs represent a class of drugs with significant potential for treating a range of brain disorders.
Targeting specific neuronal and glial pathways with novel SERMs could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies.
Further research into SERM neurobiology is warranted to optimize their clinical application in neurology and psychiatry.