Semin Reprod Med 2009; 27(3): 207-217
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1216274
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Brain Aromatization: Classic Roles and New Perspectives

Charles E. Roselli1 , 2 , Mingyue Liu2 , Patricia D. Hurn1 , 2
  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
  • 2Department of Anesthesiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
28. April 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Aromatization of testosterone to estradiol by neural tissue has classically been associated with the regulation of sexual differentiation, gonadotropin secretion, and copulatory behavior. However, new data indicate that the capacity for aromatization is not restricted to the endocrine brain and demonstrate roles for locally formed estrogens in neurogenesis and in responses of brain tissue to injury. This article summaries our current understanding of the distribution and regulation of aromatase in the brain and describes the classic and novel roles it plays. A better understanding of brain aromatization could shed new light on its physiologic and pathologic functions and someday lead to new, centrally acting drug therapies.