Perinatal compromise affects development, form, and function of the hippocampus part two; preclinical studies

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• The hippocampus is crucial for learning, memory, and cognition.
• Hippocampal development is vulnerable to prenatal and perinatal adverse conditions.
• Complications include preterm birth, fetal growth restriction (FGR), hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), and intrauterine inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical models of perinatal insults affecting hippocampal development.
• To elucidate the mechanisms and cellular disruptions in the hippocampus.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets for mitigating perinatal insults.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical literature on prematurity, FGR, hypoxia, and inflammation models.
• Analysis of studies investigating hippocampal form and function after perinatal compromise.
• Examination of cellular and subcellular mechanisms of hippocampal dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Perinatal insults significantly disrupt hippocampal development.
• Specific cellular and subcellular changes underlie hippocampal dysfunction.
• Preclinical models are key to understanding these mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Perinatal complications have lasting effects on hippocampal development and function.
• Understanding these mechanisms can guide therapeutic interventions.
• Targeting these pathways may reduce the burden of perinatal insults on the hippocampus.