Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that 17beta-estradiol (betaE2) has neuroprotective properties. The risk and severity of dementia are decreased in women who have received estrogen therapy, and betaE2 protects neurons in vitro against death from a variety of stressors. Neuroprotection by betaE2 has been suggested to be due to free radical scavenging. We demonstrate an additional neuroprotective mechanism whereby betaE2 protects against NMDA-induced neuronal death by directly inhibiting the NMDA receptor.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cells, Cultured
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Chick Embryo
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Estradiol / pharmacology*
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Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists
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Hippocampus / cytology
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N-Methylaspartate
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Neurons / chemistry
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Neurons / drug effects
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Neurons / physiology
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Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
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Neurotoxins / pharmacology
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Patch-Clamp Techniques
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / antagonists & inhibitors*
Substances
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Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists
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Neuroprotective Agents
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Neurotoxins
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Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
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Estradiol
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N-Methylaspartate