Steroid hormone effects on neurons subserving behavior.

Recent advances in understanding effects of steroid hormones at the level of individual neurons have been achieved using model systems. Steroid hormone effects on dendritic morphology, synaptic function and ionic conductances have been implicated in the regulation of behavior in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Particularly exciting are studies demonstrating steroid hormone effects on specific synaptic connections and ionic currents. There also has been important progress in understanding the diversity of sites and mechanisms of hormone action, encompassing both genomic and non-genomic effects of steroids on neuronal properties.