Antenatal glucocorticoids and programming of the developing CNS

作     者：Matthews, SG 

作者机构：Univ Toronto Fac Med Dept Physiol Toronto ON M5S 1A8 Canada Univ Toronto Fac Med Dept Obstet & Gynecol Toronto ON M5S 1A8 Canada 

出 版 物：《PEDIATRIC RESEARCH》 (儿科研究)

年 卷 期：2000年第47卷第3期

页      面：291-300页

核心收录：

学科分类：1002[医学-临床医学] 100202[医学-儿科学] 10[医学] 

主　　题：行为/药物作用 中枢神经系统/胚胎学 糖皮质激素类/投药和剂量 产前保健 成年人 动物 人类 

摘      要：Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for many aspects of normal brain development. However, there is growing evidence from a number of species that exposure of the fetal brain to excess GC, at critical stages of development, can have life-long effects on behavior and neuroendocrine function. The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is central to the integration of the individual s endocrine and behavioral response to stress, appears highly sensitive to excess GC exposure during development. A number of animal studies have shown that exposure to synthetic GCs in utero results in adult offspring that exhibit hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. This will have a long-term impact on health, inasmuch as increased life-long exposure to endogenous GC has been linked to the premature onset of diseases associated with aging. The mechanisms involved in the permanent programming of hypothalamopituitary-adrenal function and behavior are not well understood. Synthetic GCs are used extensively to promote pulmonary maturation in fetuses at risk of being delivered before term. Therefore, it is important that we understand the potential long-term consequences of prenatal GC exposure on brain development as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. This review will explore the current state of knowledge in this rapidly expanding field.