Environmental influences on the fetus and neonate—timing, mechanisms of action and effects on subsequent adult function

• Published in: Domestic animal endocrinology Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 3 - 11
• Main Authors: Rhind, S.M., Rae, M.T., Brooks, A.N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.07.2003
• Subjects: Adrenal Glands; adult animals; adult physiology; adults; adverse effects; animal organs; Animals; Animals, Newborn - growth & development; biological development; Brain; Development; early life effects; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Environment; environmental factors; Female; Fetal programming; Fetus; gene expression regulation; Gestational Age; Gonads; Hormones; Humans; Hypothalamus; Infant, Newborn; literature reviews; mechanism of action; neonates; physiology; Pituitary Gland; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Development; Fetus; Hormones; Fetal programming
• ISSN: 0739-7240; 1879-0054
• DOI: 10.1016/S0739-7240(03)00041-9

Environmental influences on fetal and neonatal development can affect neural, reproductive, immune and cardiovascular function in adult humans and animals. The effects can be exerted at many different stages of development from before conception to after birth. Effects may even be exerted during a preceding generation. Some known and some possible mechanisms are reviewed. Systems likely to be affected include the brain, hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands and the gonads. The effects may be exerted through altered gene expression at any stage of development or through changes in organ structure or physiology.