Hormonal and genetic factors interact to control aromatase expression in the developing brain

CISTERNAS, CARLA DANIELA; GARCIA-SEGURA, LUIS MIGUEL; CAMBIASSO, MARÍA JULIA

JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY.

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2018

0953-8194

The brain expression of the enzyme P450-aromatase has been extensively studied. Since the aromatization hypothesis established brain aromatase as a key factor to convert gonadal testosterone to oestradiol, several studies have investigated the regulation of aromatase during the critical period of brain sexual differentiation. Here, we review previous and recent findings concerning regulation of aromatase. The role of gonadal hormones, sex chromosome genes and neurosteroids is analysed in term of their contribution to aromatase expression and the implications for the organizational effect of steroids during development.