神经甾体——一类新的神经调节剂

Neurosteroids——A New Class of Neuromodulators

神经甾体是由中枢、周围神经组织及腺体产生的对中枢神经系统具有重要调节作用的一类甾体化合物。它不同于经典的皮质激素和性激素，在体内有特定的生物合成、代谢及调节机制，具有多种生理作用，如中枢抑制、记忆增强、神经保护等。本文概述了近年关于神经甾体类化合物的生物合成、代谢、生理药理学作用及其作用机制等方面研究的一些新进展。

Neurosteroids are the steroids synthesized in the central nervous system,peripheral nervous system and endocrine tissues. Their biosynthetic pathways,metabolism and modes of action are different from those of the classic steroid hormones.Neurosteroids have a wide variety of physiological effects, such as,central nervous system depression,memory enhancement,neuroprotection and so on.Recent advances in the neurosteroid researching on their biosynthesis,metabolism,physiological effects,pharmacological effects and the mechanism of action were reviewed.