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Progesterone as a neurosteroid: actions within the nervous system
E E Baulieu1, M Schumacher, H Koenig
1Lab. Hormones, INSERM U33,m Bicêtre, France.
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Progesterone, a neurosteroid, is synthesized in the nervous system and aids in myelin sheath formation. This study shows locally produced progesterone promotes myelin repair in peripheral nerves.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Progesterone is synthesized in the central and peripheral nervous systems, acting as a neurosteroid.
- Neurosteroids regulate neurotransmission and glial functions, including myelin formation.
- Peripheral nerves offer advantages for studying neurosteroids due to their plasticity and regenerative capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of locally produced progesterone in peripheral nerve myelination.
- To explore the potential of progesterone as a therapeutic agent for myelin repair.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a regenerating mouse sciatic nerve model.
- Employing cocultures of Schwann cells and sensory neurons.
Main Results:
- Progesterone synthesized by Schwann cells promotes new myelin sheath formation.
- Low concentrations of progesterone increase the number of myelinated axons in vitro.
- Demonstrated a direct function for locally produced progesterone in promoting myelination.
Conclusions:
- Locally produced progesterone plays a significant role in nerve myelination.
- Progesterone represents a potential pharmacological target for myelin repair strategies.
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