Classical Steroids in a New Fashion: Focus on Testosterone and Aldosterone

Abstract

Several endocrine glands produce steroid hormones. Thanks to the work of chemists and biochemists, the main synthetic as well as metabolic pathways of steroid hormones were included in the textbooks more than 50 years ago and the classical endocrine gland functions were identified. Later on, evidence of steroid hormone effects beyond the classical endocrine gland function has been accumulating. Testosterone was shown to participate in the stress response and may influence coping with stressors. We have shown a decrease in testosterone concentrations in saliva in children undergoing a school exam compared to values on a non-exam school day. Testosterone has been associated with different cognitive functions in both adults and children. Circulating testosterone has been linked to negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Aldosterone is acting via mineralocorticoid receptors, which are thought to be fully occupied by glucocorticoids in the brain. Until now, an action of aldosterone in the brain has not been considered at all, because the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, which would enable aldosterone to bind to receptors is absent in most of the brain areas. We have brought evidence that aldosterone can act in the brain and produce anxiogenic and depressogenic effects. To facilitate the translation of animal findings into clinical research, we have developed methodology for measurement of salivary aldosterone and obtained first data on a relationship between salivary aldosterone and trait anxiety. We have shown that salivary aldosterone concentrations reflect treatment outcome in patients with major depressive disorder.

Effect of Repeated Predator Scent Exposure on Excitability of Serotonin Neurons and Stress Markers in Rats

“…Although increased release of glucocorticoids in response to repeated stressors is a well-known phenomenon [29], The present study shows that repeated exposure to PS leads to a decrease in serum concentrations of the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone. This finding is surprising, since other stressors, such as insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, and immune challenge were shown to increase aldosterone concentrations in the rat blood [33,34].…”

“…This finding is surprising, since other stressors, such as insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, and immune challenge were shown to increase aldosterone concentrations in the rat blood [33,34]. Aldosterone is a somewhat neglected stress hormone and its involvement in stress-related mental disorders is being explored only recently [29].…”

Steroid stress hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle: A rise in evening aldosterone concentration in early luteal phase precedes the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

“…Depressive states and emotional premenstrual symptoms may be associated with maladaptive coping with stress situations and the enhanced release of steroid stress hormones, namely cortisol and aldosterone. 13,14 Therefore, next to the suggested involvement of sex hormones, 15 which are not the target of the present study, the above mentioned stress hormones might be considered potential players in the pathomechanisms of the PMS.…”

Sex- and age- dependent effect of pre-gestational chronic stress and mirtazapine treatment on neurobehavioral development of offspring

“…the responsiveness to a new stimuli, or a hormone arousal during adolescence (62). Recent studies postulate that the sexual hormones, testosterone and estradiol, have a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory role on cognitive functions (1,63), which is a possible ground for further investigation.…”