The functions of estrogen receptor beta in the female brain: A systematic review

Highlights • Forty-nine animal studies investigating the functions of estrogen receptor beta in the female brain were included in this review. • Estrogen receptor beta regulated protein expression of genes involved in neurological functions and promoted neurogenesis. • Estrogen receptor beta modulated the neuroendocrine regulation of stress response and reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. • The estrogen receptor beta agonist diarylpropionitrile may induce a significant reduction of hippocampal ApoE mRNA and protein expression. • Therapies targeting estrogen receptor beta could constitute a novel preventive strategy and treatment for neurological diseases in females.