Zorumski C F, Mennerick S, Isenberg K E, Covey D F
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
IDrugs. 2000 Sep;3(9):1053-63.
Neuroactive steroids rapidly modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate receptors. GABA-enhancing steroids have potential clinical utility as anesthetics, hypnotics, anticonvulsants and anxiolytics. Furthermore, GABAergic neurosteroids may participate in regulating mood and the effects of alcohol on the nervous system, suggesting a potential role in major psychiatric disorders. Neuroactive steroids that alter the function of glutamate receptors could be useful for treating neurodegenerative disorders, and as cognitive enhancers. Recent progress in developing water-soluble steroids and steroids with enhanced oral efficacy foster optimism that certain neuroactive steroids will be developed for clinical use.
神经活性甾体可快速调节γ-氨基丁酸（GABA）和谷氨酸受体。增强GABA的甾体作为麻醉剂、催眠药、抗惊厥药和抗焦虑药具有潜在的临床应用价值。此外，GABA能神经甾体可能参与调节情绪以及酒精对神经系统的作用，提示其在主要精神障碍中可能发挥作用。改变谷氨酸受体功能的神经活性甾体可能对治疗神经退行性疾病有用，并且可作为认知增强剂。在开发水溶性甾体和口服疗效增强的甾体方面的最新进展使人们乐观地认为某些神经活性甾体会被开发用于临床。
