Synthesis and impact of neuroestradiol on hippocampal neuronal networks

Abstract

The production of estradiol within the brain, that is, neuroestradiol (nE2), is widely documented. nE2 deeply impacts adult brain physiology and synaptic plasticity. In the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential for cognitive function, multiple cellular sources, and targets of nE2 have been identified. The impact of estradiol in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission suggests a role for regulated nE2 synthesis in the coordination of the activity of different cellular elements of hippocampal network. Here, we review the role of nE2 in the physiology of the hippocampal circuits taking into account the cellular heterogeneity of the hippocampus. We aspire at expanding the consideration of neuron-derived estradiol as a neuromodulator of hippocampal network activities underlying cognition.