Pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) is a sulfated derivative of the pro-hormone pregnenolone, which is the initial product in the steroidogenesis cascade derived from cholesterol. PregS is a potent neurosteroid found in high concentrations in the brain, where it acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA receptor and a negative allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor. It is crucial for neuroendocrine function, memory, and mood regulation, distinct from its role as a precursor to other adrenal and sex steroids.
Origin
The term is derived from its chemical structure: pregnenolone, a C21 steroid, conjugated with a sulfate group. Its discovery and subsequent classification as a neurosteroid in the 1980s shifted the understanding of steroid action, revealing that certain hormones act directly on the central nervous system independent of their classical endocrine roles.
Mechanism
The sulfation mechanism, mediated by the enzyme sulfotransferase, increases the molecule’s polarity, preventing it from easily crossing the cell membrane and making it a more hydrophilic compound. This characteristic allows PregS to primarily exert its effects through membrane receptors, functioning as a neuromodulator. It influences neuronal excitability by altering the function of ion channels, which is the key mechanism underlying its effects on cognition and stress response.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.