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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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Neurophysiological and cognitive changes in pregnancy.

David R Grattan¹, Sharon R Ladyman¹

¹Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology

|August 2, 2020

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy hormones significantly alter maternal brain function, impacting everything from basic physiology and appetite to mood and cognition. These neurobiological shifts are crucial for supporting fetal development and maternal adaptation.

Keywords:

Energy homeostasis Hypothalamus Maternal behavior Oxytocin Prolactin

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Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Reproductive Biology
Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

Pregnancy involves profound hormonal shifts, including elevated sex steroids (estradiol, progesterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol), and pituitary hormones (prolactin, placental lactogen).
These hormones cross the blood-brain barrier, influencing neuronal activity and brain circuits.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize hormonal changes during pregnancy.
To review the impact of these hormonal changes on maternal brain function.
To explore effects on autonomic, homeostatic, mood, and cognitive systems.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on hormonal changes in pregnancy.
Analysis of neurophysiological and behavioral adaptations in maternal brain.
Integration of findings from animal research and human pregnancy studies.

Main Results:

Hormonal fluctuations induce neurophysiological and behavioral changes.
Modifications observed in autonomic and homeostatic systems (appetite, glucose, thermoregulation).
Alterations in mood, behavior, and cognitive functions are noted.

Conclusions:

Pregnancy hormones critically reshape maternal brain function.
These adaptations optimize conditions for fetal development and maternal well-being.
Further research integrating animal and human data is essential.