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Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 4/2020

01-12-2020 | Central Nervous System Trauma | Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci & G Rodríguez-Manzo, Section Editors)

Advances in Knowledge of Androgens: How Intentional and Accidental Neurosteroid Changes Inform Us of Their Action and Role

Authors: Cheryl A. Frye, Dan DaCosta, Vincenzo F. Lembo, Alicia A. Walf

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 4/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Here, we summarize current knowledge of androgens’ action gained over the recent years.

Recent Findings

Neurosteroids are produced in the brain and peripheral nerves, independent of endocrine glands have been investigated for how they are regulated, and have actions via non-steroid receptor targets to mediate social, affective, and cognitive behavior and to protect the brain. Androgens’ organizing actions in the peri-natal period have effects throughout the lifetime that may be recapitulated later in life during critical periods and at times of challenge. Developmental changes in androgens occur during mid-childhood, adrenarche, puberty, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and andropause. Changes in androgens with a 5α-reductase inhibitor, such as finasteride, result in disruptions in organizational and activational functions of androgens that can be unremitting.

Summary

Normal developmental or perturbation in androgens through other means can cause changes in androgen-sensitive phenotypes throughout the lifespan, in part through actions of neurosteroids.
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Metadata
Title
Advances in Knowledge of Androgens: How Intentional and Accidental Neurosteroid Changes Inform Us of Their Action and Role
Authors
Cheryl A. Frye
Dan DaCosta
Vincenzo F. Lembo
Alicia A. Walf
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00276-2

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