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Updated: May 22, 2026

Isolation of Targeted Hypothalamic Neurons for Studies of Hormonal, Metabolic, and Electrical Regulation
Published on: August 4, 2023
Membrane estrogen receptor regulation of hypothalamic function
Paul E Micevych1, Martin J Kelly
1Department of Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA.
Abstract:
Over the decades, our understanding of estrogen receptor (ER) function has evolved. Today we are confronted by at least two nuclear ERs, ERα and ERβ, and a number of putative membrane ERs, including ERα, ERβ, ER-X, GPR30 and Gq-mER. These receptors all bind estrogens or at least estrogenic compounds and activate intracellular signaling pathways. In some cases, a well-defined pharmacology and physiology has been discovered. In other cases, the identity or the function remains to be elucidated. This mini-review attempts to synthesize our understanding of 17β-estradiol membrane signaling within hypothalamic circuits involved in homeostatic functions, focusing on reproduction and energy balance.
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