Sex Differences and the Effects of Estradiol on Striatal Function

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Striatal brain regions (caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens core/shell) are crucial for motivated behavior, reward, learning, and sensorimotor functions.
• Behavioral phenotypes and incidence in these regions differ by sex and are influenced by gonadal hormones like 17β-estradiol and testosterone.
• All three striatal regions express membrane-associated estrogen receptors, indicating a direct role for estrogen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent literature on sex differences and the effects of 17β-estradiol on striatal function.
• To focus on the prominent medium spiny neuron (MSN) type within the striatum.
• To synthesize findings across behavioral, neuroanatomical, and electrophysiological domains.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating sex differences and estrogenic effects in striatal regions.
• Emphasis on research examining striatal medium spiny neuron (MSN) dendritic spine density.
• Analysis of studies reporting on MSN electrophysiological properties, including synaptic input and cellular excitability.

Main Results:

• Sex and 17β-estradiol significantly influence striatal-relevant behaviors and associated disorders.
• Estrogen affects dendritic spine density in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs).
• 17β-estradiol modulates the electrophysiological properties of MSNs, impacting synaptic transmission and excitability.

Conclusions:

• Recent advances highlight the significant impact of sex and estrogen on striatal function at the individual neuron level.
• Understanding these sex-based differences in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) is crucial for comprehending behavior and neurological disorders.