Steroidogenesis in cultured mammalian glial cells

The experimental system developed, and the characterisation of progesterone metabolism (including regulatory aspects) achieved, provide a platform for future studies to investigate a possible role steroids have in signalling between mammalian brain astrocytes and neurons as part of a more complex pattern of neuronal control. Results include the systhesis and further metabolism of the known physiologically active compound allopregnanolone (THP) from progesterone.