Dehydroepiandrosterone and brain functioning

• Published in: Vestnik Rossiĭskoĭ akademii medits︠i︡nskih nauk no. 8; p. 37
• Main Authors: Goncharov, N P, Katsiia, G V, Nizhnik, A N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Russia (Federation) 2005
• Subjects: Adult; Brain - metabolism; Dehydroepiandrosterone - blood; Dehydroepiandrosterone - physiology; Female; Humans; Male; Neuroglia - metabolism
• ISSN: 0869-6047

The adrenal glands synthesize dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate form (DHEAS) more intensively than they do other steroid hormones. Researchers are interested in these hormones for several reasons. Firstly, for some years they have been trying to find the reason for DHEA and DHEAS to be synthesized and present in the organism in such high concentrations. Secondly, their attention have been attracted by age-dependent regression of DHEA, which is strictly determined. Thirdly, despite longstanding efforts of scientists, the physiological role and spectrum of the biological activity of DHEA is still unclear. Evidence of that DHEA and DHEAS can be synthesized in situ in the brain tissue, received in rat experiments, urged researchers to clarify the role of these neurosteroids in the CNS. The presented review covers ways of neurosteroid synthesis, possible mechanisms of the regulation of these processes, and their dynamics under the condition of stress. The authors analyze experimental and clinical observations undertaken with a goal to clarify a possible role of DHEA in the manifestation of various brain functions. Special attention is payed to ambiguous results of modern studies, dedicated to replacement therapy of various disorders of CNS functioning (Alzheimer's disease, depression, age-specific memory impairment, sleep disturbance etc.) with DHEAS.