Role of estrogen in hypothalamic mitochondria

Abstract

The hypothalamus is the master of neuroendocrine integration and plays key roles in many homeostatic systems and related functions. Being highly metabolically active the hypothalamus in reliant on the proper function of its mitochondria. Current research demonstrates that E2 can influence mitochondrial function in many ways; however, specific research regarding estrogen´s influence on mitochondrial function in the hypothalamus is scarce. From the current literature, it can be concluded that E2 receptors are present in hypothalamic neurons and mitochondria enabling classic, slow effects on and non-classical rapid effects of E2. E2 is thus able to influence the functions of hypothalamic neurons in many ways and this review covers some of the mechanisms E2 can influence the hypothalamic neurons by modulating mitochondrial function.