17beta-Estradiol protects against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity by direct inhibition of NMDA receptors

Brain Res. 1997 Jul 4;761(2):338-41. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(97)00449-6.

Abstract

Several lines of evidence suggest that 17beta-estradiol (betaE2) has neuroprotective properties. The risk and severity of dementia are decreased in women who have received estrogen therapy, and betaE2 protects neurons in vitro against death from a variety of stressors. Neuroprotection by betaE2 has been suggested to be due to free radical scavenging. We demonstrate an additional neuroprotective mechanism whereby betaE2 protects against NMDA-induced neuronal death by directly inhibiting the NMDA receptor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chick Embryo
  • Estradiol / pharmacology*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Neurons / chemistry
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Neurotoxins / pharmacology
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Neurotoxins
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Estradiol
  • N-Methylaspartate