Research Proposal: Effects of Maternal Cortisol on Embryonic Neural Development
Date
2021
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Keyhole Press, The University of Tampa
Abstract
Expectant mothers who experience periods of increased
stress exhibit elevated expression of cortisol, a hormone that binds
to glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus. Excessive exposure
to cortisol can cause damage to glucocorticoid receptors and signal
for the downregulation of glucocorticoid receptors – a process which
handicaps future recognition of cortisol concentrations as well as the
negative feedback loop responsible for regulating cortisol production.
Placental transmission of maternal cortisol results in embryonic
abnormalities pertaining to brain morphology, psychology, and various
cardiovascular and metabolic functions. In this research proposal
the expectant model organisms, rats, are given daily injections of 0
(saline), 0.5, or 1.0 mg of hydrocortisone acetate during days 15-19 of
embryonic development to mimic periods of increased maternal stress
and induce decreased glucocorticoid receptor density in the offspring.
Following birthing, the pups are fixed and samples of hippocampal
tissue are harvested for the application of a fluorescent antibody that
facilitates visualization of glucocorticoid receptors and the subsequent
quantification of optical density – a value that is predicted to be
inversely proportional to the concentration of hydrocortisone acetate
treatments. This essay was written in Dr. Osovitz class.
Description
Recommended citation: Strzelinski, Hannah. “Research Proposal: Effects of Maternal Cortisol on Embryonic Neural Development.” Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry, 2021. https://doi.org/10.48497/Z2D6-TB68.
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Keywords
Glucocorticoid Cascade Hypothesis, Cortisol, Hippocampus, Stress Response, Neuroscience, Developmental Biology, Embryonic Development
Citation
Strzelinski, H. (2021). Research Proposal: Effects of Maternal Cortisol on Embryonic Neural Development. "Q: Journal of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry." https://doi.org/10.48497/Z2D6-TB68