A 21-carbon steroid, derived from CHOLESTEROL and found in steroid hormone-producing tissues. Pregnenolone is the precursor to GONADAL STEROID HORMONES and the adrenal CORTICOSTEROIDS. [PubChem]
Biochem/physiol Actions One of a small number of "neurosteroids," steroids synthesized in the brain rather than peripheral sources. Decreased levels of these neurosteroids has been implicated in rodent cognitive decline with age, but studies in humans have been contradictory.1 Other Notes Tandem Mass Spectrometry data independently generated by Scripps Center for Metabolomics is available to view or download in PDF. P9129.pdf Tested metabolites are featured on Scripps Center for Metabolomics METLIN Metabolite Database. To learn more, visit sigma.com/metlin.
Biochem/physiol Actions One of a small number of "neurosteroids," steroids synthesized in the brain rather than peripheral sources. Decreased levels of these neurosteroids has been implicated in rodent cognitive decline with age, but studies in humans have been contradictory.1
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone involved in the steroidogenesis of progesterone, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. As such it is a prohormone. Pregnenolone is a GABAA antagonist and increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus.