Developmental variation in testosterone:cortisol ratio alters cortical- and amygdala-based cognitive processes

Area of Science:

• Neuroendocrinology
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) are key neuroendocrine hormones influencing brain development.
• The ratio of T:C (TC ratio) may impact brain structure and function, particularly prefrontal-amygdala connectivity.
• It remains unclear if these TC-related effects originate in childhood and adolescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between TC ratios and brain structure (amygdala volume, cortical thickness) in a healthy pediatric and adolescent cohort.
• To examine how TC ratios relate to the coordinated growth of brain structures.
• To explore the link between TC ratios, brain development, and cognitive/behavioral outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a healthy cohort of individuals aged 4-22 years.
• Assessed associations between TC ratios and brain structure parameters, including amygdala volume and cortical thickness (CTh).
• Analyzed the coordinated growth of brain structures and their relationship with cognitive and behavioral development.

Main Results:

• Greater TC ratios were associated with increased parietal cortical thickness (CTh).
• Higher TC ratios correlated with the covariance of amygdala volume and CTh in visual and somatosensory areas.
• These brain structural findings were linked to lower verbal/executive function and enhanced spatial working memory.

Conclusions:

• Individual TC profiles in youth may establish a unique brain phenotype.
• Early neuroendocrine profiles can influence cognitive strengths and vulnerabilities prior to adulthood.
• The study highlights the role of TC ratios in shaping brain development and cognitive trajectories during development.