Mechanisms of Neuroprotection by Estrogen and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

Abstract

Specific Aim #1: To determine whether 17b-E2 and SERMs directly influence neuronal survival. Specific Aim #2: To determine whether astrocyte-derived TGF-b protects neurons from cell death. Specific Aim #3: To determine whether 17b-E2 or SERMs regulate the release of TGF-b from astrocytes. Specific Aim #4:To elucidate the mechanism of TGF-b mediated neuroprotection in GT1-7 Neurons. Specific Aim #5: To identify genes potentially mediating the neuroprotective effects of 17b-E2 and/or tamoxifen through the use of high density gene chip arrays.