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The Effect of Maternal Cortisol on Offspring's Brain Development

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can result in altered regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as evidenced by altered cortisol levels. Stress-induced increase in maternal glucocorticoid levels during pregnancy may lead to fetal glucocorticoid overexposure which can affect brain development, and alter HPA axis development. The present study investigated whether maternal cortisol levels impact neonate cortisol levels and brain development. Salivary cortisol was collected from mothers and their offspring on the same day that the neonates performed a brain MRI scan.

Source: IBRO Neuroscience Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.08.034