| Glucocorticoid programming of pituitary-adrenal function: mechanisms and physiological consequences. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 11972433 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Increasing epidemiological evidence supports the notion that adverse events in fetal life permanently alter the structure and physiology of the adult offspring, a phenomenon dubbed 'fetal programming'. In particular, low weight or thinness at birth in humans is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders as well as neuroendocrine dysfunction in adult life. Glucocorticoid administration during pregnancy is well-documented to both reduce offspring birth weight and alter the maturation of organs (hence their use to accelerate fetal lung maturation in premature labour). Here data are reviewed which show, in rodents and other models, that antenatal exposure to endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids reduces offspring birth weight and produces permanent hypertension, hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, altered behaviour and neuroendocrine responses throughout the lifespan. Processes underlying fetal programming include determination of the 'set point' of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and of tissue glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression. Similar HPA axis hyperreactivity occurs in lower birth weight humans and may be an early manifestation of the 'low birth weight' phenotype. |
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Authors:
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D O'Regan; L L Welberg; M C Holmes; J R Seckl |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Seminars in neonatology : SN Volume: 6 ISSN: 1084-2756 ISO Abbreviation: Semin Neonatol Publication Date: 2001 Aug |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2002-04-25 Completed Date: 2002-07-26 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9606001 Medline TA: Semin Neonatol Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 319-29 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. |
Affiliation:
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Endocrinology Unit, Molecular Medicine Centre, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK. |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adult Embryonic and Fetal Development / drug effects Female Glucocorticoids / pharmacology* Humans Infant, Newborn Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects*, embryology, physiology* Pregnancy Prenatal Care Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / prevention & control |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Glucocorticoids |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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