Dehydroepiandrosterone - a neurosteroid

Dehydroepiandrosteone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the major se cretory products of the human adrenal glands and serve as precursors for bo th androgenic and estrogenic steroids. DHEA/S concentrations are particular ly high in the brain, and DHEA/S and related steroids can be synthesized de novo in brain glial cells. Therefore, the term 'neurosteroids' has been co ined for these compounds. This review summarizes findings in neurosteroid physiology on a cellular an d molecular level, and outlines current concepts of how these compounds mod ulate physiological functions of the brain. Today, despite promising precli nical and human data the present clinical studies provide only weak evidenc e, if any, in favour of a DHEA replacement therapy.