Natural variation in gestational cortisol is associated with patterns of growth in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix geoffroyi)

Abstract

High levels of prenatal cortisol have been previously reported to retard fetal growth. Although cortisol plays a pivotal role in prenatal maturation, heightened exposure to cortisol can result in lower body weights at birth, which have been shown to be associated with adult diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This study examines the relationship between natural variation in gestational cortisol and fetal and postnatal growth in marmoset monkeys. Urinary samples obtained during the mother’s gestation were analyzed for cortisol. Marmoset body mass index (BMI) was measured from birth through 540 days in 30- or 60-day intervals. Multi-level modeling was used to test if marmoset growth over time was predicted by changes in gestational cortisol controlling for time, sex, litter, and litter size. The results show that offspring exposed to intra-uterine environments with elevated levels of cortisol had lower linear BMI rates of change shortly after birth than did offspring exposed to lower levels of cortisol, but exhibited a higher curvilinear growth rate during adolescence. Average daily change in gestational cortisol during the first trimester had a stronger relationship with postnatal growth than change during the third trimester. Higher exposure to cortisol during gestation does alter developmental trajectories, however there appears to be a catch-up period during later post-natal growth. These observations contribute to a larger discussion about the relationship of maternal glucocorticoids on offspring development and the possibility of an earlier vulnerable developmental window.

Environmental, biological, and social factors influencing fecal adrenal steroid concentrations in female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

“…Other factors that have been reported to account for fGC variation are body mass [Epel et al, ; Mustoe et al, ; Stalder et al, ], temperature [Huber et al, ; Weingrill et al, ], and physical activity [Girard & Garland, ; Rojas Vega et al, ]. In our study, though, body weight was not correlated with hormonal concentrations.…”

Describing Ovarian Cycles, Pregnancy Characteristics, and the Use of Contraception in Female White‐Faced Marmosets, Callithrix geoffroyi

“…The data presented in this study show that PdG concentrations were not associated with miscarriages, litter size, or maternal age; however, these data do not necessarily rule out that similar PdG or E 2 changes may contribute to overall maternal behavior and infant survival in white-faced marmosets as well. Other hormone variation during the course of pregnancy has been linked to infant development in white-faced marmosets including androgens [Smith et al, 2010] and glucocorticoids [Mustoe et al, 2012]. Overall, neuroendocrine systems act as an important regulator of maternal behavior [review: [Saltzman & Maestripieri, 2011], so it is essential to consider the enveloping relationship of maternal hormonal systems, maternal behavior, and infant development when evaluating the contraceptive, captive management, and conservation needs of white-faced marmosets.…”

Natural variation in fetal cortisol exposure is associated with neonatal body mass in captive vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)

“…Thus, the growth effects established by these studies may exaggerate the role of endogenous maternal cortisol on neonatal body mass among typical gestations. In support of this hypothesis, two studies on unmanipulated callitrichids found either no relationship (Mustoe, Birnie, Korgan, Santo, & French, ) or a positive relationship (Bales, French, & Dietz, ) between endogenous maternal gestational GCs and offspring body mass index (BMI) shortly after birth. However, both of these studies considered only maternal GC production and did not measure fetal exposure directly.…”