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These neurosteroids have excitatory effects on neurotransmission. They act as potent negative allosteric modulators of the GABA A receptor, weak positive allosteric modulators of the NMDA receptor, and/or agonists of the σ 1 receptor, and mostly have antidepressant, anxiogenic, cognitive and memory-enhancing, convulsant, neuroprotective, and neurogenic effects.
The hippocampus is a structure in the brain that has been associated with various memory functions. It is part of the limbic system, and lies next to the medial temporal lobe. It is made up of two structures, the Ammon's Horn, and the Dentate gyrus, each containing different types of cells. [1]
This is a list of neurosteroids, or natural and synthetic steroids that are active on the mammalian nervous system through receptors other than steroid hormone receptors. It includes inhibitory , excitatory , and neurotrophic neurosteroids as well as pheromones and vomeropherines .
Little is known about where different complexes are located in the brain, complicating drug discovery. [7] For example, the binding site of neurosteroids in the GABA A receptor is not known [9] and barbiturates bind at a beta subunit that is distinct from the benzodiazepine binding site.
Pregnenolone and its 3β-sulfate, pregnenolone sulfate, like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and progesterone, belong to the group of neurosteroids that are found in high concentrations in certain areas of the brain, and are synthesized there. Neurosteroids affect synaptic functioning, are neuroprotective, and enhance myelinization.
It does not need to "reach out" to other brain structures for assistance in forming some memories of simple association. An MIT study found that behavior based on high-level cognition, such as the expression of a specific memory, can be generated in a mammal by highly specific physical activation of a specific small subpopulation of brain cells.
The limbic system, also known as the paleomammalian cortex, is a set of brain structures located on both sides of the thalamus, immediately beneath the medial temporal lobe of the cerebrum primarily in the forebrain. [1] Its various components support a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, long-term memory, and olfaction. [2]
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the structure and function of the nervous system. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It encompasses the branch of biology [ 3 ] that deals with the anatomy , biochemistry , molecular biology , and physiology of neurons and neural circuits .