Gonadal steroid receptors

The AOB has direct projections to the amygdala, specifically to the medial and posterior cortical nuclei, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract. These pathways may be involved in the processing of pheromonal information. Neurons in the AOB targets express gonadal steroid receptors and thus may be modulated directly by circulating hormones. The efferent connections of the accessory olfactory system are summarized in Fig. 22. 

Both aromatization and 5a-reductase are regulated by gonadal steroids. In mammals such as the rat, it is principally the neural aromatase activity that is upregulated by androgens acting via neural androgen receptors [1],... 

Miller MM, Silver J, et al (1984) Effects of gonadal steroids on the in vivo binding of [ l]alpha-bungarotoxin to the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Brain Res 290(l) 67-75 Mochizuki T, Villemagne VL, et al (1998) Nicotine induced up-regulation of nicotinic receptors in CD-I mice demonstrated with an in vivo radiotracer gender differences. Synapse 30(1) 116-118... 

Oxytocin receptors are widely distributed in the brain (Insel et al., 1997). Brain receptors are biochemically identical to receptors found in uterine myometrium and mammary myoepithelium. There is a remarkable diversity across species in the neuroanatomical distribution and regulation of OT receptors. These receptors are heavily controlled by gonadal steroids, and the pattern of steroid regulation of OT receptor expression varies across species as well. This diversity of receptors may be the mechanism through which OT function, and thus the social behaviors influenced by that function vary across species. 

Modulation of the anterior pituitary dopamine receptor by gonadal steroids... 

Blood samples are taken during the study or at autopsy. Gonadal steroid hormones are determined by specific immunoassays requiring very small sample volumes, extraction procedures are no longer needed. Steroid receptors can be determined in tissue samples storage at autopsy, for later decision on necessary investigations. 

Steroid hormone receptors (for gonadal steroids and adrenocortical steroids) are complex proteins inside the target cell. The steroid penetrates, is bound and translocates into the cell nucleus, which is the principal site of action and where RNA/protein synthesis occurs. Compounds that occupy the receptor without causing translocation into the nucleus or the replenishment of receptors act as antagonists, e.g. spironolactone to aldosterone, cyproterone to androgens, clomiphene to oestrogens. 

U 69689) is a synthetic peptide analogue of gonadorelin (gonadotrophin-releasinghormone), a potent lh-rh RECEPTOR AGONIST with simiiar properties. It can be used in the treatment of gonadal steroid-dependent diseases and infertility in women. For further detail see gonadotrophinreleasing hormone, fertirelin acetate fertirelin. 

Other examples include intracellular receptors for thyroid hormones, gonadal steroids, and vitamin D. 

Danazol Danazol is a weak partial agonist that binds to progestin, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptors in cells and to steroid transport proteins in the blood. Danazol also inhibits several P450 enzymes involved in gonadal steroid synthesis. The drug is sometimes used in the treatment of endometriosis and fibrocystic disease of the breast. 

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