Minireview: Neural Signaling of Estradiol in the Hypothalamus

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Many of the actions of estradiol in the central nervous system (CNS) are mediated via intracellular estrogen receptors (ERs)/transcription factors that interact with steroid response elements on target genes. In addition, there is compelling evidence for membrane-associated ERs in hypothalamic and other CNS neuron; but it is not well understood how estradiol signals via membrane-associated receptors and how these signals impact neuronal excitability and physiological functions. It has been known for some time that estradiol can rapidly alter neuronal activity within seconds, indicating that some cellular effects can occur via membrane initiated events. Thus, estradiol can affect second messenger systems, including calcium mobilization and a plethora of kinases to alter cell excitability and even gene transcription in hypothalamic neurons. Therefore, this minireview will summarize our current knowledge of rapid membrane-initiated and intracellular signaling by estradiol in the hypothalamus, the nature of receptors involved, and how they contribute not only to control of reproduction but other vital homeostatic functions.