Zhang J Q, Cai W Q
Department of Histology and Embryology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038.
Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan. 2001 Apr;32(2):107-11.
Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of androgen to estrogen. This enzyme has been primarily localized in the neurons of specific areas of limbic system and hypothalamus of the brain. Astrocytes may also express this enzyme. Studies show that the gene expression of aromatase is driven by multiple tissue-specific exons, and the effective concentration of brain estrogen depends on the expression of brain aromatase. The locally produced estrogen plays an important role in the regulation of synaptogenesis, density of dendritic spine and the expression of neurotrophic factors and/or their receptors. Estrogen can also protect brain cells from the damages of neurotoxins and can greatly improve the deficits of learning and memory resulted from neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's diseases.
芳香化酶催化雄激素转化为雌激素。这种酶主要定位于大脑边缘系统和下丘脑特定区域的神经元中。星形胶质细胞也可能表达这种酶。研究表明，芳香化酶的基因表达由多个组织特异性外显子驱动，脑内雌激素的有效浓度取决于脑内芳香化酶的表达。局部产生的雌激素在突触发生、树突棘密度以及神经营养因子和/或其受体的表达调节中起重要作用。雌激素还可以保护脑细胞免受神经毒素的损伤，并能大大改善由神经退行性疾病如阿尔茨海默病引起的学习和记忆缺陷。
