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Prenatal stress alters brain biogenic amine levels in primates

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 1998

MARY L. SCHNEIDER
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
A. SUSAN CLARKE
Affiliation:
Northwestern University
GARY W. KRAEMER
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
ELIZABETH C. ROUGHTON
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
GABRIELE R. LUBACH
Affiliation:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
SARA RIMM–KAUFMAN
Affiliation:
Harvard University
DENNIS SCHMIDT
Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University
MICHAEL EBERT
Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University

Abstract

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.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1998 Cambridge University Press

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