Prenatal maternal stress exposure and immune function in the offspring

Abstract

The intra-uterine environment provides the first regulatory connection for the developing fetus and shapes its physiological responses in preparation for postnatal life. Psychological stress acts as a programming determinant by setting functional parameters to abnormal levels, thus inducing postnatal maladaptation. The effects of prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) on the developing immune system have been documented mostly through animal studies, but inconsistent results and methodological differences have hampered the complete understanding of these findings. As the immune system follows a similar ontogenic pattern in all mammals, a translational framework based on the developmental windows of vulnerability proposed by immunotoxicology studies was created to integrate these findings. The objective of this review is to examine the available literature on PNMS and immune function in the offspring through the above framework and gain a better understanding of these results by elucidating the moderating influence of the stressor type, timing and duration, and the offspring species, sex and age at assessment. The evaluation of the literature through this framework showed that the effects of PNMS are parameter specific: the moderating effects of timing in gestation were relevant for lymphocyte population numbers, Natural Killer cell function and mitogen-induced proliferation. The presence of an important and directional sexual dimorphism was evident and the influence of the type or duration of PNMS paralleled that of stress in non-pregnant animals. In conclusion, PNMS is a relevant factor in the programming of immune function. Its consequences may be related to disorders with an important immune component such as allergies.

Prenatal maternal psychological stress and childhood asthma and wheezing: a meta-analysis

“…In utero, lung development passes through several critical periods, starting around 26 days of gestation and following multiple stages [60]. It is known that prenatal stress has an influence on the programming of the immune function, which starts early in pregnancy when the stem cells are formed [61]. Prenatal maternal stress, acting through neuroendocrine, immune/ inflammatory and/or vascular pathways, may affect lung maturation, growth and function [52,53,62].…”

Prenatal Maternal Stress and Epigenetics: Review of the Human Research

“…Effects of PNMS on fetal and child development, such as immune function [21], brain development [22], and behavior outcomes [23•], have been largely discussed, although most of the research has been in laboratory animals. In humans, as depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health problems during pregnancy [24,25], their impact on epigenetic changes has also been widely investigated.…”

SExual Epigenetic Dimorphism in The Human Placenta: Implications for Susceptibility During The Prenatal Period

“…In contrast to these essential functions, the placenta also serves as a source of exposure for toxic substances, dysregulated hormone signaling and immune-related proteins [2]. Such exposures including maternal stress, excess hormones, cytokines or environmental toxicants impact fetal health and influence later-life health outcomes [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11].…”