The birth of new neurons in the maternal brain: Hormonal regulation and functional implications

Benedetta Leuner; Sara Sabihi

doi:10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.02.004

The birth of new neurons in the maternal brain: Hormonal regulation and functional implications

Front Neuroendocrinol. 2016 Apr:41:99-113. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.02.004. Epub 2016 Mar 9.

Authors

Benedetta Leuner¹, Sara Sabihi²

Affiliations

¹ The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University, Department of Neuroscience, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, Columbus, OH, USA. Electronic address: leuner.1@osu.edu.
² The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA.

Abstract

The maternal brain is remarkably plastic and exhibits multifaceted neural modifications. Neurogenesis has emerged as one of the mechanisms by which the maternal brain exhibits plasticity. This review highlights what is currently known about peripartum-associated changes in adult neurogenesis and the underlying hormonal mechanisms. We also consider the functional consequences of neurogenesis in the peripartum brain and extent to which this process may play a role in maternal care, cognitive function and postpartum mood. Finally, while most work investigating the effects of parenting on adult neurogenesis has focused on mothers, a few studies have examined fathers and these results are also discussed.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Hippocampus; Neurogenesis; Olfactory bulb; Paternal; Postpartum; Pregnancy; Subventricular zone.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Brain / metabolism
Brain / physiology*
Female
Maternal Behavior / physiology*
Neurogenesis / physiology*
Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
Postpartum Period / metabolism
Postpartum Period / physiology*
Pregnancy / metabolism
Pregnancy / physiology*

Grants and funding

R21 HD083791/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States