Early and Long-term Neuroendocrine Effects of Prenatal Stress in Male and Female Rats

Overview

Journal Neurosci Behav Physiol

Publisher Springer

Date 2001 Mar 27

PMID 11265806

Citations 3

Authors

A G Reznikov

N D Nosenko

L V Tarasenko

P V Sinitsyn

L I Polyakova

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The effects of maternal stress, termed prenatal stress (PNS) on the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction and the stress reactivity of offspring were studied in rats. PNS prevented the formation of sexual dimorphism in catecholamine levels, aromatase activity, and androgen 5alpha-reductase activity in the preoptic area of the brain and the mediobasal hypothalamus in 10-day-old rats. The morphological correlate of the functional lesions induced by PNS consisted of the elimination of gender-related differences in the volumes of neuron nuclei in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Prenatal stress altered the stress and adrenergic reactivities of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal system in mature males and females. The long-term effects of PNS were regarded as a consequence of the disruption of the hormone-neurotransmitter imprinting of the neuroendocrine system.

Citing Articles

Immune stress in late pregnant rats decreases length of gestation and fecundity, and alters later cognitive and affective behaviour of surviving pre-adolescent offspring.

Paris J, Brunton P, Russell J, Frye C Stress. 2011; 14(6):652-64.

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Sex-dependent behavioral effects and morphological changes in the hippocampus after prenatal invasive interventions in rats: implications for animal models of schizophrenia.

von Wilmsdorff M, Sprick U, Bouvier M, Schulz D, Schmitt A, Gaebel W Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2010; 65(2):209-19.

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Ontogenetic expression of dopamine-related transcription factors and tyrosine hydroxylase in prenatally stressed rats.

Katunar M, Saez T, Brusco A, Antonelli M Neurotox Res. 2009; 18(1):69-81.

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