Modulation of brain synaptic plasticity by steroid hormones.

Brain Synaptic plasticity has been studied extensively in the past decade. Alterations in synaptic plasticity are implicated in both normal brain functions and disorders. The molecular events leading to synaptogenesis or neurogenesis are being delineated. Several neurotransmitter receptors may be involved, but direct relation to NMDA receptors and BDNF peptides are suggested. Both genomic and non-genomic actions of steroid hormone on brain neurotransmission have been demonstrated. The direct action of neurosteroids to modulate neurotransmitter receptor binding and responses can be one of the mechanisms in the regulation of brain synaptic plasticity. Several lines of evidence in support of this hypothesis are reviewed in the present article.