The developmental neuroendocrinology of reproduction and adaptation: lessons from animal research

Abstract

In order to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishing Department of Endocrinology of Reproduction and Adaptation at the V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism (Kyiv, Ukraine), the results of animal research in the field of developmental neuroendocrinology of reproduction and adaptation in early ontogenesis are reviewed in the article. Special attitude is paid to sex differentiation of the brain and developmental programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Presented are reprogramming effects of perinatal steroids, stress, some drugs, and chemical endocrine disruptors on the developing brain. Phenomenology and neurochemical mechanisms underlying hormone-neurotransmitter imprinting of morphology of the hypothalamus, sexual behavior, reproductive and endocrine functions, and stress reactivity are under discussion. The results of the studies could contribute to prenatal prevention of neuroendocrine and behavioral disorders.

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“…The developing fetal brain is very vulnerable to environmental influences including drugs [3]. Concerns exist regarding the harmful effects of analgesics used during pregnancy on the health of offspring.…”

“…This catechol estrogen inhibits catechol-Omethyltransferase, resulting in the accumulation of norepinephrine in the hypothalamus. Sexual differentiation of the brain according to the male type is carried out by the joint action of catechol estrogen and norepinephrine, which acts as an inducer of neuroblast differentiation [1,3]. Confirmation of the antiandrogenic effect of ibuprofen in male fetuses is a decrease in the AGD of male rat fetuses [16,22].…”

“…A number of in-utero environmental influences, including pharmaceuticals, may result in reproductive abnormalities in the offspring in later life [1][2][3][4]. Among these influences, analgesics, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs are the focus of developmental physiology and pathophysiology.…”

Антиандрогени, Наночастинки Та Біоактивні Пептиди: Експериментальні Та Клінічні Питання

“…The results of studies on perinatal programming of neuroendocrine functions and hormone-dependent behavior have been recently published [1]. This article presents the results of long-term research by scientists of both laboratories in the field of antiandrogens, bioactive peptides and metal nanoparticles.…”

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“…Репродуктивна система дорослих і плодів виявилася найбільш уразливою до патогенної дії БФА і багатьох інших ЕД. Зокрема, це було продемонстровано нами та іншими дослідниками на прикладі перинатального програмування ендокринних функцій і поведінки [2][3][4][5][6].…”