Glucocorticoids and Hippocampus: Receptors in Search of a Function

The identification of putative receptor sites was the impetus for the search for the function of glucocorticoids in hippocampus and in the rest of the brain and that search now seems to be coming to fruition.

Abstract

In 1968 we reported that the hippocampus of adrenalectomized rats takes up and retains 3H-corticosterone (McEwen et al. 1968). This and subsequent studies, which were intended to identify and localize sites of adrenal steroid feedback in the central nervous system in terms of putative receptor mechanisms, were stimuli for a variety of investigations into the role of the hippocampus in adrenal steroid feedback on ACTH secretion and on behavior. In this respect, the identification of putative receptor sites was the impetus for the search for the function of glucocorticoids in hippocampus and in the rest of the brain. That search now seems to be coming to fruition. This article is a summary of the highlights of the search and the new Information and perspectives which are coming out of it.