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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
Published on: June 10, 2013
Prenatal stress alters brain biogenic amine levels in primates
M L Schneider1, A S Clarke, G W Kraemer
1University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Insights
Prenatal stress in monkeys alters biogenic amine levels and social behaviors long-term. Offspring showed higher MHPG and dopamine metabolites, with distinct reunion behaviors compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Primatology
Background:
- Prenatal stress is a significant environmental factor impacting offspring development.
- Biogenic amines play crucial roles in regulating mood, stress response, and behavior.
- Long-term effects of maternal stress on primate neurodevelopment are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of prenatal stress on behavior and neurochemistry in rhesus monkeys.
- To examine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of biogenic amines and metabolites in offspring from stressed pregnancies.
- To assess behavioral responses to social separation and reunion in relation to prenatal stress exposure.
Main Methods:
- Assessed behavioral responses during social separation and reunion in 12 rhesus monkeys.
- Measured CSF concentrations of biogenic amines and metabolites at 8 and 18 months of age.
- Compared offspring from stressed pregnancies to controls from undisturbed pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Prenatally stressed monkeys exhibited higher CSF concentrations of MHPG and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid.
- Norepinephrine and MHPG stress response showed correlation between 8 and 18 months of age.
- Behavioral differences emerged during reunion: stressed monkeys clung more and explored, while controls showed more locomotion and social play.
Conclusions:
- Chronic unpredictable psychological stress during pregnancy has lasting impacts on offspring neurochemistry.
- Prenatal stress influences noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity in rhesus monkey offspring.
- Maternal stress during gestation leads to persistent behavioral alterations in primates.
Abstract:
In this study, we assessed behavioral responses to social separation at 8 months of age and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of biogenic amines and metabolites at 8 and 18 months of age in 12 rhesus monkeys derived from either stressed or undisturbed pregnancies. Compared to controls from undisturbed pregnancies, prenatal stress-derived monkeys had higher concentrations of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in CSF than controls. Norepinephrine and MHPG response to stress were both correlated between 8 and 18 months of age. There were few group differences in behavior during social separation; however, several behavioral differences between groups were found when monkeys were reunited with cage mates. Prenatally stressed monkeys spent more time clinging to their surrogates and exploring (including eating and drinking), while controls showed more locomotion and social play with their cage mates. Collectively, our findings suggest that chronic unpredictable psychological stress during pregnancy has long-lasting effects on noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity and behavior in the offspring of gestationally stressed primate mothers.
