Open AccessPrenatal stress produces learning deficits associated with an inhibition of neurogenesis in the hippocampus
Author(s) -
V. Lemaire,
Muriel Koehl,
Michel Le Moal,
Djoher Nora Abrous
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.97.20.11032
Subject(s) - neurogenesis , dentate gyrus , hippocampal formation , prenatal stress , neuroscience , hippocampus , psychology , biology , pregnancy , offspring , genetics
Early experiences such as prenatal stress significantly influence the development of the brain and the organization of behavior. In particular, prenatal stress impairs memory processes but the mechanism for this effect is not known. Hippocampal granule neurons are generated throughout life and are involved in hippocampal-dependent learning. Here, we report that prenatal stress in rats induced lifespan reduction of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and produced impairment in hippocampal-related spatial tasks. Prenatal stress blocked the increase of learning-induced neurogenesis. These data strengthen pathophysiological hypotheses that propose an early neurodevelopmental origin for psychopathological vulnerabilities in aging.