Effect of Prenatal Stress on Offspring's Learning, Memory and Coping Strategies

The prenatal stress is a key factor which affects the growth and function of the brain. Several studies have shown that prenatal stress induces deficits in learning and memory of the offspring. The prenatal stress alters the activity of neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin, via over-activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. In addition, the prenatal stress reduces the values of various hippocampal proteins involved in learning and memory and long-term potentiation, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II, postsynaptic density protein 95, and cAMP response element-binding protein. It seems that exercise, environmental enrichment, and antioxidants could improve learning and memory deficits induced by the prenatal stress in offspring.

Interventions to protect the offspring against stress is crucial to preserve their cognitive abilities.