Rapid control of male typical behaviors by brain-derived estrogens

Beside their genomic mode of action, estrogens also activate a variety of cellular signaling pathways through non-genomic mechanisms. Until recently, little was known regarding the functional significance of such actions in males and the mechanisms that control local estrogen concentration with a spatial and time resolution compatible with these non-genomic actions had rarely been examined. Here, we review evidence that estrogens rapidly modulate a variety of behaviors in male vertebrates. Then, we present in vitro work supporting the existence of a control mechanism of local brain estrogen synthesis by aromatase along with in vivo evidence that rapid changes in aromatase activity also occur in a region-specific manner in response to changes in the social or environmental context. Finally, we suggest that the brain estrogen provision may also play a significant role in females. Together these data bolster the hypothesis that brain-derived estrogens should be considered as neuromodulators.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Estrogens rapidly affect a variety of behavioral processes in several vertebrates. ► Aromatase activity is rapidly regulated by Ca2+-dependent phosphorylations in vitro. ► Aromatase activity rapidly varies in vivo in behaviorally relevant contexts. ► Brain estrogens’ provision may also play a significant role in females. ► Brain-derived estrogens should be considered as neuromodulators.