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Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Action During Development

Jonathan T Busada1, John A Cidlowski1

  • 1Molecular Endocrinology Group, Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.

Current Topics in Developmental Biology
|May 22, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids are vital hormones during pregnancy, crucial for fetal development, especially lung maturation. However, excessive exposure can harm fetal growth and long-term health.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Reproductive Medicine

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids, produced by the adrenal cortex, are key stress hormones.
  • Fetal serum glucocorticoid levels are low but surge before birth, impacting organ development.
  • Maternal glucocorticoid administration aids fetal lung maturation but excessive levels pose risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms controlling glucocorticoid signaling in pregnancy.
  • To provide an overview of glucocorticoid signaling's impact on fetal development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on glucocorticoids and fetal development.
  • Analysis of studies on glucocorticoid signaling pathways during gestation.

Main Results:

  • Glucocorticoids are essential for fetal lung, and other organ system development.
  • Excessive glucocorticoid signaling can impede fetal and placental growth.
  • Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure may program later-life disease risk.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid signaling tightly regulates fetal development.
  • Balancing glucocorticoid levels is critical for healthy pregnancy outcomes.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for managing high-risk pregnancies.

Keywords:
Adrenal hormonesCortisolDevelopmentEmbryo/fetusGlucocorticoidsHPA axisPlacenta

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