The Brain: Source and Target for Sex Steroid Hormones, 1st Tuscania Conference on Reproductive Medicine

Section 1 Neurosteroids: basic and clinical applications-Synthesis and functions of neurosteroids. Application of gas chromatography mass fragmentometry with negative ion chemical ionization technology to measure neurosteroids and their biosynthesis rate in the rat brain. Inhibition of GABAergic transmission enhances neurosteroid concentrations in the rat brain. Neurosteroids in retina: synthesis and neuronal function. Neurosteroids and regulation of neuroendocrine function. Neuroactive steroids and the behavioral and endocrine response to stress. Behavioral effect of neuroactive steroids related to alcohol dependence and withdrawal. Neurosteroid alterations in mood disorders associated with alcohol withdrawal. Section 2 Sex steroid metabolism in the brain-5alpha-Reudctase in the rat brain. The role of aromatase in the brain. Section 3 Sex steroid actions in the brain: basic and clinical aspects-Gonadal steroids promote interactive communication. Estrogen and insulin cooperate t o control the growth and state of differentiation of neuroblastoma cells. Synthesis and regulation of the progesterone receptor. Glial cells and estrogen-induced synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Steroid regulation of monoamine oxidase in neurons and glia. The murine gene of the Y1 receptor for neuropeptide Y is regulated by estrogens. Sex-dependent effects of stress and pain on choline acetyltransferase activity levels and beta-endorphin content in discrete areas of the rat brain. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of depression and memory disorders. Estrogens and behavior. Progestins and behavior. Androgens and behavior. Index.