The sex steroid hormones (SSHs) play several roles in regulation of various processes in the cardiovascular, immune, muscular and neural systems. SSHs affect prenatal and postnatal development of various brain structures, including regions associated with important physiological, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional functions. This action can be mediated by either intracellular or transmembrane receptors. While the classical mechanisms of SSHs action are relatively well examined, the physiological importance of non-classical mechanism of SSHs action through membrane-associated and transmembrane receptors in the brain remains unclear. The most recent summary describing the role of SSHs in different body systems is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss classical and non-classical signaling pathways of testosterone and estradiol action via their receptors at functional, cellular, tissue level and to describe the effects on various body systems and behavior. Particular emphasis will be on brain regions including the hippocampus, hypothalamus, frontal cortex and cerebellum.

性类固醇激素 (SSH) 在调节心血管、免疫、肌肉和神经系统的各种过程中发挥多种作用。SSH 影响各种大脑结构的产前和产后发育，包括与重要生理、行为、认知和情感功能相关的区域。这种作用可以通过细胞内或跨膜受体介导。虽然 SSH 作用的经典机制得到了相对充分的研究，但 SSH 通过大脑中膜相关和跨膜受体作用的非经典机制的生理重要性仍不清楚。缺乏描述 SSH 在不同身体系统中的作用的最新总结。因此，本综述的目的是讨论睾酮和雌二醇通过其受体在功能、细胞、组织水平发挥作用的经典和非经典信号通路，并描述对各种身体系统和行为的影响。特别强调的是大脑区域，包括海马体、下丘脑、额叶皮层和小脑。