Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-17-2017
Abstract
Introduction: The developmental origins of disease or fetal programming model predicts that intrauterine exposures have life-long consequences for physical and psychological health. Prenatal programming of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is proposed as a primary mechanism by which early experiences are linked to later disease risk.
Areas covered: This review describes the development of the fetal HPA axis, which is determined by an intricately timed cascade of endocrine events during gestation and is regulated by an integrated maternal-placental-fetal steroidogenic unit. Mechanisms by which stress-induced elevations in hormones of maternal, fetal, or placental origin influence the structure and function of the emerging fetal HPA axis are discussed. Recent prospective studies documenting persisting associations between prenatal stress exposures and altered postnatal HPA axis function are summarized, with effects observed beginning in infancy into adulthood.
Expert commentary: The results of these studies are synthesized, and potential moderating factors are discussed. Promising areas of further research highlighted include epigenetic mechanisms and interactions between pre and postnatal influences.
Recommended Citation
Howland, M. A., Sandman, C. A., & Glynn, L. M. (2017). Developmental origins of the human hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 12(5), 321-339. doi: 10.1080/17446651.2017.1356222
Copyright
Taylor & Francis
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, volume 12, issue 5, in 2017, available online at DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2017.1356222. It may differ slightly from the final version of record.