Abstract
Investigating the effects on fetuses during acute maternal stress (immobilization for 2 h) at day 20 or 22 of gestation, respectively, a decreased catecholamine- and β-endorphin (β- EP) - as well as an increased LH-RH- and GRF content of the hypothalamus, a diminished β-EP content of the pituitary, an elevated plasma level of catecholamines as well as of corticosterone were found in fetuses of both sexes. Plasma LH and testosterone were lowered in male fetuses, whereas androstendione was raised in female fetuses. Administration of tyrosine to mother animals 30 min before starting stress prevented partly the effects of stress, mainly on the CNS level.
Conclusion: Prenatal stress changed the fecal neuro-transmitter metabolism and the hypothalamic secretion of neurohormones (LH-RH, GRF, CRF) and of opioids as well as sex hormone blood levels which may contribute to long-lasting behavioural changes (i.e. heterotypical sexual behaviour in the male or defeminized play-fighting in the female offspring). Tyrosine can prevent - at least in part these effects.
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Rohde, W., Ohkawa, T., Götz, F. et al. ACUTE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL STRESS ON THE FETAL NEUROENDOCRINE SYSTEM IN RATS AND THEIR PARTIAL PREVENTION BY TYROSINE ADMINISTRATION. Pediatr Res 20, 1193 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00117
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00117