Relationship between neurosteroids and neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression: Research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

ABSTRACT

Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol within the microglia of the central nervous system. They are classified as dehydroepiandrosterone,progesterone, pregnenolone,allopregnanolone and other peripheral steroids. Neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone are positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors and exert anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior. Neuroactive steroids play a significant role in neurodevelopment in terms of internal environment homeostasis. This paper reviews the biosynthesis, metabolism regulatory effect on the response to stress and therapeutic potentials of neurosteroids.