Activation of progestin receptors in female reproductive behavior: Interactions with neurotransmitters

Front Neuroendocrinol. 2010 Apr;31(2):157-71. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.01.002. Epub 2010 Jan 29.

Abstract

The steroid hormone, progesterone (P), modulates neuroendocrine functions in the central nervous system resulting in alterations in physiology and reproductive behavior in female mammals. A wide body of evidence indicates that these neural effects of P are predominantly mediated via their intracellular progestin receptors (PRs) functioning as "ligand-dependent" transcription factors in the steroid-sensitive neurons regulating genes and genomic networks. In addition to P, intracellular PRs can be activated by neurotransmitters, growth factors and cyclic nucleotides in a ligand-independent manner via crosstalk and convergence of pathways. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that rapid signaling events associated with membrane PRs and/or extra-nuclear, cytoplasmic PRs converge with classical PR activated pathways in neuroendocrine regulation of female reproductive behavior. The molecular mechanisms, by which multiple signaling pathways converge on PRs to modulate PR-dependent female reproductive behavior, are discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dopamine / physiology
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Ligands
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Receptors, Progesterone / drug effects
  • Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism
  • Receptors, Progesterone / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Ligands
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Receptors, Progesterone
  • Dopamine