Basic Researches
Role of estrogen in neurite outgrowth and its mechanism
Mingxing Ma, Botao Du, Qingli Shi, Lili Zhou, Jialin Wang, Lijun Xu, Yue Zhao, Qinxi Zhang
Published 2015-01-15
Cite as Chin J Neuromed, 2015, 14(1): 28-32. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1671-8925.2015.01.005
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of estradiol (E2) on neurite outgrowth and its intracellular molecular mechanisms, and provide a scientific basis for a new type hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent/suspend the cognitive impairment in female Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.
MethodsThe morphological changes of the cells were observed by biological microscope. Rac1 activity changes were detected by Western blotting. The effects of natural progesterone (P4) and medroxyprogesterone were observed.
Results(1) E2 induced neurite outgrowth. MPA prevented E2-induced neurite outgrowth, but P4 had no such effect. (2) E2 induced Rac1 activation, enjoying the best effect at five min; the induction was blocked by MPA, but P4 had no such effect.
Conclusions(1) E2 can induce neurite outgrowth, whose mechanism may be related to the increasing of Rac1 activity. (2) In conventional HRT, the application of MPA may inhibit the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, while P4 has no such effect.
Key words:
Alzheimer's disease; Estrogen; Neuroprotection; Rac1; Hormone replace therapy
Contributor Information
Mingxing Ma
Reproductive center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China
Botao Du
Qingli Shi
Lili Zhou
Jialin Wang
Lijun Xu
Yue Zhao
Qinxi Zhang