Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
06:36
Nerve Stimulator-guided Injection of Autologous Stem Cells Near the Equine Left Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Published on: September 26, 2018
9.4K
Neuroactive steroids and the peripheral nervous system: An update
Silvia Giatti1, Simone Romano1, Marzia Pesaresi1
1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Steroids
|April 1, 2015
Summary
Neuroactive steroids are synthesized in the peripheral nervous system, offering neuroprotection. These steroids show promise as therapies for various peripheral neuropathies, including those linked to aging, chemotherapy, injury, and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Neuroactive steroids are endogenously produced in the nervous system.
- Their roles in peripheral nerve physiology and neuroprotection are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence supporting neuroactive steroid synthesis and function in the peripheral nervous system.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids for peripheral neuropathies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on neuroactive steroids in the peripheral nervous system.
- Analysis of research on neuroprotection and neuroactive steroid function.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the synthesis of neuroactive steroids within the peripheral nervous system.
- Neuroactive steroids demonstrate significant neuroprotective effects on peripheral nerves.
- These steroids are implicated in conditions such as aging, chemotherapy-induced, injury-related, and diabetic neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- Neuroactive steroids are key regulators of peripheral nerve health.
- Targeting neuroactive steroid synthesis presents a promising therapeutic avenue for peripheral neuropathies.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
2.3K
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
2.3K
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
4.0K
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
4.0K
01:24Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves
8.0K
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a crucial component of the body's neural network, extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS) to bridge the gap between the CNS and the external environment. It encompasses nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
8.0K
01:30Classification of Neurotransmitters
6.1K
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in the communication between neurons in the autonomic nervous system. Neurons in the autonomic nervous system can be cholinergic or adrenergic depending on the neurotransmitters synthesized. Cholinergic neurons use acetylcholine as their primary neurotransmitter. This includes all the preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic and pre- and postganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic nervous systems. In addition, neurons of the somatic nervous system also use...
6.1K
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
2.6K
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
2.6K
01:28Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers
1.9K
Ganglionic blockers inhibit autonomic activity by blocking nicotinic receptors in the autonomic ganglia, suppressing impulse transmission. These blockers lack selectivity between sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia and are ineffective as neuromuscular junction antagonists. They can be categorized into two groups:
1.9K