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Related Experiment Videos

Brain aromatization of androgens

F Naftolin1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510-8063.

The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|April 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

The brain synthesizes estrogens from androgens using aromatase, an enzyme found throughout neurons. This discovery reveals a complex neuroendocrine system with implications for brain development and function.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Brain Biochemistry

Background:

  • The brain's ability to convert androgens to estrogens via aromatase has been known for 25 years.
  • The autocrine/paracrine neuroendocrine system involving brain estrogen synthesis is still under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the implications of the brain's estrogen synthesis from androgens.
  • To explore the distribution and regulation of brain aromatase.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical techniques
  • Molecular biologic techniques
  • Morphologic techniques
  • Immunohistochemical studies

Main Results:

  • Brain aromatase is autoregulating, induced by the androgens it converts to estrogens.
  • Aromatase is present in the hypothalamus and more widely distributed in the brain, including the limbic system.
  • Two distinct brain aromatase systems exist: a gonad-sensitive hypothalamic system and a gonad-insensitive limbic system, present prenatally and in adults.

Conclusions:

  • Locally produced estrogens have widespread actions in the brain.
  • Further research is needed to uncover the full implications of brain estrogen synthesis.

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