Developmental and Functional Effects of Steroid Hormones on the Neuroendocrine Axis and Spinal Cord

J Neuroendocrinol. 2016 Jul;28(7):10.1111/jne.12401. doi: 10.1111/jne.12401.

Abstract

This review highlights the principal effects of steroid hormones at central and peripheral levels in the neuroendocrine axis. The data discussed highlight the principal role of oestrogens and testosterone in hormonal programming in relation to sexual orientation, reproductive and metabolic programming, and the neuroendocrine mechanism involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype. Moreover, consistent with the wide range of processes in which steroid hormones take part, we discuss the protective effects of progesterone on neurodegenerative disease and the signalling mechanism involved in the genesis of oestrogen-induced pituitary prolactinomas.

Keywords: androgens; hormonal programming; oestrogens; prolactin; steroid hormones.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Estrogens / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Metabolism / physiology*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology
  • Progesterone / physiology*
  • Protective Factors
  • Reproduction / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord / physiopathology*
  • Testosterone / physiology*

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Testosterone
  • Progesterone