Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Limited Bedding and Nesting as a Model for Early-Life Adversity in Mice
04:20

Limited Bedding and Nesting as a Model for Early-Life Adversity in Mice

Published on: July 12, 2024

Prenatal maternal stress and early caregiving experiences: implications for childhood asthma risk

Rosalind J Wright1

  • 1Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. rosalind.wright@channing.harvard.edu

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|November 21, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Early life stress may impact children's asthma development by affecting the neuroendocrine and immune systems. Maternal prenatal stress and social stressors can program the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially leading to immune dysregulation and asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric allergy and immunology
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Developmental psychology

Background:

  • Asthma development pathways in children remain debated.
  • The role of stress in immune system modulation is increasingly recognized.
  • The neuroendocrine system links stress to immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of stress in the development of childhood asthma.
  • To investigate the neuroendocrine and immune system mechanisms involved.
  • To examine the impact of prenatal and early-life stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing evidence on stress, neuroendocrine function, and immune responses.
  • Examination of animal model data on maternal prenatal stress effects.
  • Analysis of the impact of early social stressors on HPA axis regulation.

Main Results:

  • Maternal prenatal stress may program the infant's HPA axis.
  • Early social stressors can also affect HPA axis function.
  • Dysregulation of the HPA axis and immune system is implicated in asthma development.

Conclusions:

  • Stress, particularly during critical developmental periods, is a potential factor in childhood asthma.
  • The HPA axis serves as a key mediator between stress and immune system dysregulation relevant to asthma.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate these complex pathways.

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...