Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
07:49

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice

Published on: June 2, 2022

3.7K

Prenatal antidepressant exposures and gastrointestinal complaints in childhood: A gut-brain axis connection?

Amy L Salisbury1,2,3, George D Papandonatos4, Laura R Stroud3,5

  • 1Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA.

Developmental Psychobiology
|March 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children. This study links prenatal SRI exposure to childhood GI difficulties, highlighting the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are frequently used for depression during pregnancy.
  • SRIs influence maternal and placental serotonin signaling, potentially affecting fetal neurodevelopment and the gut-brain axis (GBA).
  • Previous research suggests a link between gestational SRI exposure and gastrointestinal issues in offspring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to SRIs and the development of gastrointestinal problems in children.
  • To examine the impact of fetal SRI exposure on the enteric nervous system (ENS) and its function.
  • To provide prospective human data on this understudied area.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of two well-characterized, prospective cohorts of children from preschool to later childhood.
  • Assessment of gastrointestinal (GI) problems in children with documented prenatal SRI exposure.
  • Evaluation of potential impacts on the developing gut-brain axis (GBA) and enteric nervous system (ENS).

Main Results:

  • Significant associations were found between prenatal SRI exposure and increased risk of childhood GI problems.
  • The findings support the hypothesis that fetal SRI exposure can contribute to later GI difficulties.
  • The study highlights potential SRI-induced changes in the developing gut microbiome and GBA.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to SRIs is associated with an increased risk for gastrointestinal problems in children.
  • Further research is crucial to understand the mechanisms, including the role of the microbiome and GBA.
  • These findings underscore the importance of considering potential long-term effects of medications during pregnancy.

Keywords:
anti-depressive agentschild healthdepressive disordersgastrointestinal microbiomegastrointestinal tractmaternal-fetal exchangesecond-generationserotonin

More Related Videos

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice07:41

Video Imaging and Spatiotemporal Maps to Analyze Gastrointestinal Motility in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2016

14.6K
Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C07:13

Induction of Maternal Immune Activation in Mice at Mid-gestation Stage with Viral Mimic PolyI:C

Published on: March 25, 2016

19.3K

Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
86.3K
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
847
Bulimia Nervosa01:30

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
587
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists01:23

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
812
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
1.3K
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
678