Prenatal stress increases corticosterone levels in offspring by impairing placental glucocorticoid barrier function.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal stress (PS) and corticosterone levels, and its influence on DNA methylation of genes related to the placental glucocorticoid (GC) barrier, including 11β-HSD2, ABCB1 (P-gp), NR3C1, and FKBP5. The PS model was established through chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). DNA methylation of GC-related genes was analyzed by reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), and the results were confirmed using MethylTarget™ sequencing. The mRNA and protein expression levels of these genes were detected through qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Plasma corticosterone levels were elevated in pregnant female rats exposed to PS conditions and their offspring. Compared to the offspring of the prenatal control (OPC) group, th

SUBMITTER: Liu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273964 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature