Abstract
Neurosteroids such as pregnenolone (PREG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and their sulfates (PREGS and DHEAS) are reported to have amodulatory effect on neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. They also have many other functions associated with response to stress, mood regulation and cognitive performance. Furthermore, these neurosteroids have been linked to, and their levels are altered in neuropsychiatric disorders. This chapter pays special attention to alterations of these neurosteroids in schizophrenia and in particular to their association with the clinical and neurocognitive manifestations. The authors also provide substantial information on the metabolism, mode of action of PREG and DHEA, and hope that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of these neurosteroids in schizophrenia. The chapter concludes with a list of topics for suggested future research directions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Neuroactive Steroids in Brain Function, Behavior and Neuropsychiatric Disorders |
| Subtitle of host publication | Novel Strategies for Research and Treatment |
| Publisher | Springer Netherlands |
| Pages | 251-297 |
| Number of pages | 47 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781402068539 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Pregnenolone
- anxiety
- dehydroepiandrosterone
- dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
- metabolism
- mode of action
- mood and cognitive impairment
- pregnenolone sulfate
- schizophrenia
- symptoms