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Perinatal stress in brain programming and pathogenesis of psychoneurological disorders

  • Developmental Biology
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Abstract

We analyzed data from our studies and other author’s works concerning the influence of stress stimuli on the development of neuroendocrine and immune systems. The results of our analysis suggest that “immunological stress” induced by viral or bacterial infection, an unhealthy diet, and the mother’s behavior during pregnancy and lactation are significant risk factors for the developing offspring. The brain is the key target for these factors. The continuous effect of stress stimuli during critical periods of brain development induces hyperactivity and increased response of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. This can increase the risk of the development of psychoneurological, metabolic, immunological, and behavioral disorders and the suppression of reproduction in the offspring. The plasticity of physiological systems helps the developing organism to adapt to the changing environment.

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  1. Kol’tsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia

    L. A. Zakharova

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Original Russian Text © L.A. Zakharova, 2015, published in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk, Seriya Biologicheskaya, 2015, No. 1, pp. 17–26.

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Zakharova, L.A. Perinatal stress in brain programming and pathogenesis of psychoneurological disorders. Biol Bull Russ Acad Sci 42, 12–20 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359015010124

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