Neurosteroids are steroid molecules that are synthesized de novo within the central and peripheral nervous systems from cholesterol or steroidal precursors, independent of the classic endocrine glands. These molecules function as local neuromodulators and neuroprotectors, rapidly altering neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission by interacting with various neurotransmitter receptors, such as GABA and NMDA receptors. They are crucial for mood regulation, cognitive function, and the stress response.
Origin
The term combines neuro, referring to the nervous system, and steroids, indicating their chemical structure derived from cholesterol. The concept was established upon the discovery that certain steroid hormones could be produced directly in the brain, challenging the traditional view that the brain was solely a target organ for circulating hormones.
Mechanism
These steroids, including allopregnanolone and DHEA, exert their effects by acting locally on neuronal membranes, either directly or allosterically modulating the activity of ligand-gated ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors. This mechanism allows for rapid, non-genomic effects on neuronal firing and plasticity, differentiating them from the slower, genomic actions of classic steroid hormones. Their synthesis is often modulated by stress and hormonal status.
Long-term progesterone use for sleep requires a personalized risk assessment, balancing its calming benefits against potential systemic health effects.
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