Mechanisms of neuroprotective effect of estrogens associated with vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

The results of axonal regeneration in peripheral nerves and of the modulating effect of estrogens on the posttraumatic plasticity of motor neurons through the classical and alternative genomic mechanisms involving the activation of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ and increased transcription of specific neuroprotective control genes. New mechanisms of the neuroprotective effect of estrogens related to the cross interaction of estrogens with intracellular signaling cascades of many other biologically active compounds, in particular, vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelin, are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]