ABSTRACT
The concept of feedback regulation of hormone secretion represents a cornerstone upon which much of neuroendocrine research has been built. The effects of steroid hormones on the brain are widespread. Steroid hormones have been shown to modulate a variety of behaviors and functions, only some of which concern the central regulation of neuroendocrine function. The classical mechanism by which steroid hormones affect cellular function involves the binding to specific intracellular receptors which function to enhance or repress gene transcription. Although steroid hormone receptors are found in brain, they are often found at low levels in comparison to peripheral tissues such as the prostate gland and uterus. The production of specific antibodies against steroid hormone receptors has allowed the anatomical mapping of receptors within the brain using standard immunocytochemical procedures, or the determination of receptor levels and isoforms using Western blot analysis. An important step in assessment of steroid hormone feedback is knowledge of the regulation of steroid receptor gene expression.
