Symposium: Perinatal Programming: Factors That Influence Brain Development and Behavior

The goal of this symposium is to examine how prenatal and early-life factors affect perinatal neurological development.

Perinatal programming is the process by which environmental stimuli during critical developmental periods can have long-lasting effects on an organism's structure and function. The symposium will cover four topics related to perinatal programming.

First, Dr. Zalosnik will discuss the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Tregs are a subset of immune cells that modulate maternal-fetal immune tolerance and prevent autoimmune diseases. The dysregulation of Tregs during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of ASD in offspring. We will explore the mechanisms and implications of Treg dysfunction in ASD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.

Second, we will discuss the influence of serotonin disruption during prenatal and neonatal stages on neural, cognitive, and behavioral development. In our second talk, Dr. Fabio will discuss the impact of serotonin disruption during gestation on neurobiological outcomes. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates various aspects of brain development, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and synaptogenesis. Alterations in serotonin signaling during gestation can lead to abnormal brain maturation and predispose individuals to neuropsychiatric disorders. The latest evidence on how serotonin disruption affects social behavior and neuronal plasticity and morphology throughout ontogeny will be presented.

Next, Dr. Díaz will address how antidepressants in the neonatal stage affect adult neurogenesis and memory. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders in pregnant and lactating women. However, exposure to these drugs during the neonatal period may have adverse consequences on the developing brain. Dr. Díaz will examine how neonatal antidepressant exposure influences adult hippocampal neurogenesis and memory formation, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Finally, we will address the influence of early-life family structure on behavior and alcohol consumption. Family structure is an important environmental factor that shapes children's social and emotional development. Early-life experiences within the family can affect stress response, attachment, and reward systems in the brain, consequently modulating susceptibility to alcohol use and abuse. In the fourth talk, Dr. Miranda will explore how different family structures in an animal model, such as single-mother or two-parent rearing, affect behavioral and neuronal responses to alcohol during childhood and adolescence.

This symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest evidence on perinatal programming and its impact on brain development and behavior. The speakers, who are leaders in their respective fields, will present information of interest to a wide range of professionals, including researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.