Effects of Neonatal Dexamethasone Exposure on Adult Neuropsychiatric Traits in Rats.

ABSTRACT: The effects of early life stress in utero or in neonates has long-term consequences on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis function and neurodevelopment. These effects extend into adulthood and may underpin a variety of mental illnesses and be related to various developmental and cognitive changes. We examined the potential role of neonatal HPA axis activation on adult psychopathology and dopamine sensitivity in the mature rat using neonatal exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid receptor agonist and stress hormone, dexamethasone. We utilized a comprehensive battery of assessments for behaviour, brain function and gene expression to determine if elevated early life HPA activation is associated with adult-onset neuropsychiatric traits. Dexamethasone exposure increased startle

SUBMITTER: Yates NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5147874 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature