Project Summary

Leonie Welberg, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2003) of Emory University, will study glucocorticoids, which are groups of hormones that play a role in the functioning of the central nervous system and provide for its response to stress.  Exposure to glucocorticoids in utero is thought to predispose for development of anxiety and depression later in life.  The placental enzyme 1 ip-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (1IP-HSD2) regulates access of maternal glucocorticoids to the fetus.  Inhibition of this regulation results in offspring with hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - the neuroendocrine system that responds to stress.  Dr. Welberg will investigate how maternal stress in rats and depression in humans during pregnancy reduces the activity of 1IP-HSD2 in the placenta, thereby exposing the fetus to high levels of glucocorticoids.  Dr. Welberg will also study the effects of continuing stress, both pre- and post-natally, on vulnerability to depression and anxiety in adulthood.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Anxiety Disorders/Unipolar Depression

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