Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine: Student Research and Presentations
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/623384
2024-03-06T13:27:45ZRoles of Astrocyte-Derived Estrogen in the Brain
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/623125
Roles of Astrocyte-Derived Estrogen in the Brain
Meyre, Pornjittra (Ja)
The steroid hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2) is an important hormone that regulates many
functions in the body. Traditionally, E2 was believed to be produced primarily by the ovaries in
females, but a number of studies have shown that brain cells such as neurons and astrocytes can
also make significant quantities of E2. The study presented in this thesis examined the role of
astrocyte-derived E2 in exerting neuroprotection in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, as well
as its ability to regulate two specific pathways implicated in neuroprotection - the LIF and
STAT3 pathways. Since the hippocampal CA1 region is known to be highly vulnerable to global
cerebral ischemia (GCI), such as occurs after cardiac arrest, we used a mouse GCI model to
examine the neuroprotective role of astrocyte-derived E2 in the hippocampal CA1 region. The
results of the study indicate that mice that lack the enzyme aromatase in astrocytes and were
unable to produce astrocyte-derived E2, have decreased reactive astrocyte activation after GCI,
greater neuronal deficits after GCI in both genders, and they have significantly decreased LIFSTAT3 signaling in the hippocampus.
Record is embargoed until 03/04/2022
2019-12-01T00:00:00Z