Title: Neurosteroid transport by the organic solute transporter OSTýý-OSTýý.

Authors: Fang, Fang; Christian, Whitney V; Gorman, Sadie G; Cui, Mei; Huang, Jiaoti; Tieu, Kim; Ballatori, Nazzareno

Published In J Neurochem, (2010 Oct)

Abstract: A variety of steroids, including pregnenolone sulfate (PREGS) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are synthesized by specific brain cells, and are then delivered to their target sites, where they exert potent effects on neuronal excitability. The present results demonstrate that [(3)H]DHEAS and [(3)H]PREGS are relatively high affinity substrates for the organic solute transporter, OSTýý-OSTýý, and that the two proteins that constitute this transporter are selectively localized to steroidogenic cells in the cerebellum and hippocampus, namely the Purkinje cells and cells in the cornu ammonis region in both mouse and human brain. Analysis of Ostýý and Ostýý mRNA levels in mouse Purkinje and hippocampal cells isolated via laser capture microdissection supported these findings. In addition, Ostýý-deficient mice exhibited changes in serum DHEA and DHEAS levels, and in tissue distribution of administered [(3)H]DHEAS. OSTýý and OSTýý proteins were also localized to the zona reticularis of human adrenal gland, the major region for DHEAS production in the periphery. These results demonstrate that OSTýý-OSTýý is localized to steroidogenic cells of the brain and adrenal gland, and that it modulates DHEA/DHEAS homeostasis, suggesting that it may contribute to neurosteroid action.

PubMed ID: 20649839

MeSH Terms: No MeSH terms associated with this publication