Estrogenic Regulation of Glia and Neuroinflammation

Abstract

Estrogens are rapid and potent facilitators of synaptic plasticity in the adult brain; however, the steps that link estrogens to factors that regulate synaptic strength remain unclear. The present chapter will first review the acute effects of 17β‎-estradiol on synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP). It will then describe a synaptic model used to study the substrates of LTP and provide evidence for the ability of estradiol to rapidly engage a selective actin signaling cascade associated with the consolidation of LTP. Finally, it will be shown that chronic reductions in estradiol levels disrupt LTP and actin dynamics but can be reversed by acute infusions of the hormone. It is concluded here that estradiol can promote learning-related plasticity by modifying the synaptic cytoskeleton.