Androgen Effects on Neural Plasticity
Nariko Kuwahara, Kate Nicholson, Lauren Isaacs, Neil J. MacLusky
Abstract
Androgens are synthesized in the brain, gonads, and adrenal glands, in both sexes, exerting physiologically important effects on the structure and function of the central nervous system. These effects may contribute to the incidence and progression of neurological disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease, which occur at different rates in males and females. This review briefly summarizes the current state of knowledge with respect to the neuroplastic effects of androgens, with particular emphasis on the hippocampus, which has been the focus of much of the research in this field.
Topics & Concepts
NeuroscienceNeuroplasticitySchizophrenia (object-oriented programming)AndrogenHippocampusCentral nervous systemPsychologyDiseaseBiologyMedicineInternal medicineEndocrinologyPsychiatryHormoneNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchHormonal and reproductive studiesHypothalamic control of reproductive hormones