Actions of estrogens on glial cells: Implications for neuroprotection

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 1800; no. 10; pp. 1106 - 1112
• Main Authors: Arevalo, María-Angeles, Santos-Galindo, María, Bellini, María-José, Azcoitia, Iñigo, Garcia-Segura, Luis M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.10.2010
• Subjects: Animals; Astrocytes - metabolism; Astroglia; Brain Edema - drug therapy; Brain Edema - metabolism; Brain Injuries - drug therapy; Brain Injuries - metabolism; Cell Survival - drug effects; Estradiol; Estrogens - pharmacology; Glutamic Acid - metabolism; Humans; Inflammation - drug therapy; Inflammation - metabolism; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - biosynthesis; Microglia; Microglia - metabolism; Myelin; Myelin Sheath - metabolism; Neurons - metabolism; Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology; Oligodendroglia; Oligodendroglia - metabolism; Selective estrogen receptor modulator; Oligodendroglia; Astroglia; Selective estrogen receptor modulator; Myelin; Estradiol; Microglia
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.10.002

Glial cells are directly or indirectly affected by estradiol and by different estrogenic compounds, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators. Acting on oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia, estrogens regulate remyelination, edema formation, extracellular glutamate levels and the inflammatory response after brain injury. In addition, estradiol induces the expression and release of growth factors by glial cells that promote neuronal survival. Therefore, glial cells are important players in the neuroprotective and reparative mechanisms of estrogenic compounds.