TrkB-mediated neuroprotection in female hippocampal neurons is autonomous, estrogen receptor alpha-dependent, and eliminated by testosterone: a proposed model for sex differences in neonatal hippocampal neuronal injury

Highlights Following in vitro ischemia, the nerve growth factor receptor TrkB is activated in the presence of the TrkB agonist 7,8-DHF only in female and not in male cultured hippocampal neurons, leading to increased neuronal survival.Expression of ER α is increased following in vitro ischemia in female but not male hippocampal neurons.The female hippocampal neuronal specific responses to in vitro ischemia are blocked by pre-treatment with testosterone.The data support a model for a female-specific a neuroprotective pathway in hippocampal neurons. The pathway is activated by a TrkB agonist, dependent on ER α and blocked by testosterone.
Source: Biology of Sex Differences - Category: Biology Source Type: research