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Prenatal stress and increased fluctuating asymmetry in the parietal bones of neonatal rats
Author(s) -
Mooney Mark P.,
Siegel Michael I.,
Gest Thomas R.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330680112
Subject(s) - prenatal stress , parietal bone , fluctuating asymmetry , asymmetry , stress (linguistics) , fetus , anatomy , biology , medicine , pregnancy , physiology , gestation , zoology , physics , philosophy , skull , genetics , linguistics , quantum mechanics
Recent studies have reported increased fluctuating dental and long bone asymmetry in neonates as a function of prenatal stress. The present study was designed to assess the effects of prenatal stress on a third calcium‐dependent system, membranous bone. Pregnant rats were exposed to cold, heat, or noise from conception through parturition. Bilateral parietal bone lengths were measured in the term neonates. Levels of fluctuating asymmetry were found to be significantly increased (p < .001) in all three stressed groups compared to unstressed controls. Results support the concept of a generalized stress response, and suggestions are offered for human osteological application.