Effects of exogenous agents on brain development: stress, abuse and therapeutic compounds

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• The developing brain is vulnerable to a wide array of exogenous agents.
• Evidence suggests numerous chemotherapeutic, "use-and-abuse" compounds, and environmental factors can negatively affect neurodevelopment.
• These agents are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of serious neuropsychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of specific exogenous agents on neurodevelopmental processes.
• To highlight critical developmental phases (prenatal, postnatal, adolescent) susceptible to these agents.
• To connect agent-induced developmental disruptions to observed brain abnormalities in disorders like schizophrenia and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating exogenous agents and neurodevelopment.
• Analysis of research focusing on chemotherapeutic, "use-and-abuse" compounds, and environmental agents.
• Examination of evidence linking agent exposure to structural and functional brain abnormalities.

Main Results:

• Exogenous agents, including anesthetics, antiepileptics, sedatives, nicotine, alcohol, stress, and infectious agents, significantly impact neurodevelopment.
• Exposure during critical developmental periods can lead to permanent and irreversible brain damage.
• These disruptions are associated with the underlying causes of schizophrenia spectrum and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Conclusions:

• Exogenous agents pose a significant risk to normal brain and central nervous system development.
• Intervention during critical developmental windows is crucial, but effects can be permanent.
• Understanding these impacts is vital for preventing and managing neuropsychiatric disorders.