Neurosteroids

The reports of higher concentrations of certain steroids in the brain than in blood and of their accumulation in brain independently of adrenal and gonadal sources led to the discovery of steroid biosynthetic pathways in the central nervous system (CNS). As a result, the term “neurosteroids” was proposed, referring to steroids synthesized in the brain, either de novo from cholesterol or by in situ metabolism of blood-borne precursors (1). In this chapter, we summarize the behavioral effects—on affective and cognitive functions—of systemic or intra-cerebral administration of these neurosteroids. In addition to these pharmacological studies, we focus on recent physiological data indicating a possible role of certain neurosteroids in age-related memory deficits. Neurosteroids and affective responses: anxiety, stress, and aggression

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