Selective estrogen receptor modulators as brain therapeutic agents

J Mol Endocrinol. 2011 Jan 19;46(1):R1-9. doi: 10.1677/JME-10-0122. Print 2011 Feb.

Abstract

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), used for the treatment of breast cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms, affect the nervous system. Some SERMs trigger neuroprotective mechanisms and reduce neural damage in different experimental models of neural trauma, brain inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive impairment, and affective disorders. New SERMs with specific actions on neurons and glial cells may represent promising therapeutic tools for the brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Brain Diseases / metabolism
  • Brain Injuries / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Mood Disorders / drug therapy
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / drug therapy
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Raloxifene Hydrochloride / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism*
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators / therapeutic use*
  • Tamoxifen / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
  • Tamoxifen
  • Raloxifene Hydrochloride