Stress in utero: effects on gliovascular integrity in female infant offspring

Abstract From early in life, experiences like prenatal stress profoundly affect long-term health and behavior. Maternal stress increases fetal exposure to glucocorticoids (GC), disrupting neurodevelopment and raising susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. Previous studies on synthetic GCs, such as dexamethasone (DEX), revealed impairments in neurogenesis and dendritic spine development. However, the influence of prenatal stress on the gliovascular interface remains unclear. This interface, involving the relationship between astrocytes and blood vessels, is essential for healthy brain development. Our study demonstrates that prenatal stress alters the expression and localization of astrocytic proteins crucial for maintaining vascular homeostasis, such as aquaporin-4, in female offspring exposed to DEX. While overall vascular density remains unaffected, it triggers morphological changes. Particularly, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex exhibit heightened vulnerability to these effects. This study reveals prenatal stress as a potent disruptor of gliovascular development, urging deeper inquiry into its implications.