How fetal exposure to glucocorticoids affects adult anxiety and stress responses differently in males and females
Sex differences in fetal programming by glucocorticoids: Adult hypothalamus and Autonomic Nervous System
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain hormones before birth can affect anxiety and stress levels later in life, and it’s especially interested in how these effects might be different for males and females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10766729 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to glucocorticoids during fetal development can lead to long-term changes in anxiety and stress responses in adults, with a focus on differences between sexes. By studying animal models, specifically rats and mice, the researchers aim to identify the biological pathways that link early glucocorticoid exposure to adult behavioral and physiological outcomes. The study will explore how these changes manifest in the brain's hypothalamus and affect the autonomic nervous system's response to stress. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms behind anxiety and depressive disorders that may be influenced by prenatal factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced anxiety or depressive symptoms and may have prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of anxiety or depressive disorders or who were not exposed to glucocorticoids during fetal development may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for anxiety and depressive disorders that are influenced by prenatal environmental factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids can lead to behavioral changes in animal models, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Handa, Robert J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Handa, Robert J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.