Neurosteroids and the mesocorticolimbic system

Désirée R Seib; Daniel J Tobiansky; John Meitzen; Stan B Floresco; Kiran K Soma

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105356

Neurosteroids and the mesocorticolimbic system

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2023 Oct:153:105356. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105356. Epub 2023 Aug 10.

Authors

Désirée R Seib¹, Daniel J Tobiansky², John Meitzen³, Stan B Floresco⁴, Kiran K Soma⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address: dseib@upei.ca.
² Department of Biology and Neuroscience Program, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD, USA.
³ Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
⁴ Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

PMID: 37567491
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105356

Abstract

The mesocorticolimbic system coordinates executive functions, such as working memory and behavioral flexibility. This circuit includes dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex. In this review, we summarize evidence that cells in multiple nodes of the mesocorticolimbic system produce neurosteroids (steroids synthesized in the nervous system) and express steroid receptors. Here, we focus on neuroandrogens (androgens synthesized in the nervous system), neuroestrogens (estrogens synthesized in the nervous system), and androgen and estrogen receptors. We also summarize how (neuro)androgens and (neuro)estrogens affect dopamine signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system and regulate executive functions. Taken together, the data suggest that steroids produced in the gonads and locally in the brain modulate higher-order cognition and executive functions.

Keywords: 17β-estradiol; Androgen receptor; Aromatase; Brain; Set shifting; Testosterone.

Publication types

Review