Disrupted neurosteroid synthesis mediates the adverse effects of prenatal stress

母亲在怀孕期间的焦虑和相关的压力会影响胎儿，导致发育变化，对后代产生不利影响，导致儿童时期的行为问题。然而，将母亲的变化转移到胎儿的机制尚不清楚。我们认为胎儿-胎盘神经类固醇系统的紊乱是一个重要环节。我们将确定这一系统中由母亲压力造成的缺陷，然后研究扭转这些中断的治疗方法。

Maternal anxiety and related stress in pregnancy influences the fetus causing developmental changes that adversely affect the offspring leading to behavioural problems in childhood. However, mechanisms which transfer maternal changes to the fetus are unclear. We propose that disruption of the fetal-placental neurosteroid system is a major link. We will identify the deficits in this system caused by maternal stress and then examine therapies to reverse these disruptions.