Prenatal stress alters brain biogenic amine levels in primates.
In this study, we assessed behavioral responses to social separation at 8 months of age and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of biogenic amines and metabolites at 8 and 18 months of age in 12 rhesus monkeys derived from either stressed or undisturbed pregnancies. Compared to controls from undisturbed pregnancies, prenatal stress-derived monkeys had higher concentrations of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in CSF than controls. Norepinephrine and MHPG response to stress were both correlated between 8 and 18 months of age. There were few group differences in behavior during social separation; however, several behavioral differences between groups were found when monkeys were reunited with cage mates. Prenatally stressed monkeys spent more time clinging to their surrogates and exploring (including eating and drinking), while controls showed more locomotion and social play with their cage mates. Collectively, our findings suggest that chronic unpredictable psychological stress during pregnancy has long-lasting effects on noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity and behavior in the offspring of gestationally stressed primate mothers.
Schneider
M L
ML
University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Clarke
A S
AS
Kraemer
G W
GW
Roughton
E C
EC
Lubach
G R
GR
Rimm-Kaufman
S
S
Schmidt
D
D
Ebert
M
M
D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001679:Biogenic Amines / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008297:Male; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol / Q000378:metabolism; D009622:Noise; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D012934:Social Isolation; D013315:Stress, Psychological
D001679:Biogenic Amines; D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid; D008734:Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D009638:Norepinephrine; D006719:Homovanillic Acid