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Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
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Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Endocrine induced changes in brain function during pregnancy.

Paula J Brunton1, John A Russell

  • 1Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.

Brain Research
|September 28, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone influence brain function to support gestation and maternal behaviors. Recent research highlights progesterone

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Female sex steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are crucial for maintaining pregnancy and childbirth.
  • These hormones exert significant effects on the brain during pregnancy, interacting with neuropeptide systems.
  • These interactions modulate physiological systems vital for pregnancy, including appetite, stress, and fluid balance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore recent advancements in understanding steroid-peptide interactions in the brain during pregnancy.
  • To focus on non-classical actions of progesterone, particularly through its metabolite allopregnanolone.
  • To investigate the role of opioid peptide mechanisms in these neuroendocrine pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on neuroendocrine regulation during pregnancy.
  • Analysis of steroid-peptide signaling pathways in the brain.
  • Examination of the neurobiological effects of progesterone metabolites and opioid peptides.

Main Results:

  • Pregnancy hormones significantly alter brain function via steroid-peptide links.
  • These links regulate key physiological processes favoring pregnancy and preparing for childbirth.
  • Progesterone's neuroactive metabolite, allopregnanolone, plays a key role in non-classical actions.
  • Inhibition of oxytocin secretion is a crucial brain mechanism during pregnancy.

Conclusions:

  • Steroid-peptide interactions are fundamental to neurobiological adaptations during pregnancy.
  • Allopregnanolone and opioid systems are critical targets for understanding progesterone's brain effects.
  • These neuroendocrine mechanisms ensure successful pregnancy, parturition, and postpartum maternal care.