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Prenatal influences on neuroimmune set points in infancy
1Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. ccoe@facstaff.wisc.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|March 28, 2001
Summary
Prenatal exposure to corticosteroids like dexamethasone can impact immune system development in infant monkeys, leading to reduced responses and altered hormone sensitivity postpartum. This suggests potential long-term immune effects from antenatal steroid treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fetal development and early infancy significantly influence immune system maturation.
- Corticosteroids are known to affect immune responses, but their long-term impact following prenatal exposure requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if acute fetal exposure to high corticosteroid levels affects immune responses in juvenile monkeys postpartum.
- To assess the impact of prenatal dexamethasone administration on lymphocyte proliferation and corticosteroid sensitivity in offspring.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant rhesus monkeys received dexamethasone two months before delivery.
- Offspring were evaluated at 1.0-1.5 years for lymphocyte proliferative responses to concanavalin A.
- Cell sensitivity to corticosteroid feedback was measured by cortisol's inhibition of proliferation.
Main Results:
- Offspring from dexamethasone-treated pregnancies showed reduced lymphocyte responses to concanavalin A.
- These offspring exhibited decreased sensitivity to in vitro cortisol inhibition, indicating downregulated hormone receptors.
- Findings suggest prenatal corticosteroid exposure leads to prolonged alterations in immune function.
Conclusions:
- In utero exposure to steroidal hormones can profoundly influence the fetal immune system, causing lasting effects after birth.
- The study highlights potential concerns regarding antenatal corticosteroid treatments in obstetrics and their impact on premature infants' immune development.