Cited by 120Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanismsMaternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and PostpartumNeuroendocrine regulation and behavior

The maternal brain: an organ with peripartal plasticity

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Hillerer, Katharina Maria, Jacobs, Volker Rudolf, Fischer, Thorsten, Aigner, Ludwig·2014·Neural Plasticity

Abstract

The time of pregnancy, birth, and lactation, is characterized by numerous specific alterations in several systems of the maternal body. Peripartum-associated changes in physiology and behavior, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms, have been the focus of research since decades, but are still far from being entirely understood. Also, there is growing evidence that pregnancy and lactation are associated with a variety of alterations in neural plasticity, including adult neurogenesis, functional and structural synaptic plasticity, and dendritic remodeling in different brain regions. All of the mentioned changes are not only believed to be a prerequisite for the proper fetal and neonatal development, but moreover to be crucial for the physiological and mental health of the mother. The underlying mechanisms apparently need to be under tight control, since in cases of dysregulation, a certain percentage of women develop disorders like preeclampsia or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders during the course of pregnancy and lactation. This review describes common peripartum adaptations in physiology and behavior. Moreover, it concentrates on different forms of peripartum-associated plasticity including changes in neurogenesis and their possible underlying molecular mechanisms. Finally, consequences of malfunction in those systems are discussed.

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Authors
Hillerer, K. M., Jacobs, V. R., Fischer, T., & Aigner, L.
Affiliations
Paracelsus Medical University (AT)
Corresponding author
Aigner, Ludwig
Venue
Neural Plasticity
Published
2014
Volume
2014
Pages
1-20
ISSN
  • 1687-5443 (ISSN-L)
  • 2090-5904
OpenAlex
W2055237339
Cited by
120
References
243
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 1
FWCI
0.80
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Neural Plasticity (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • State Government of Salzburg (HEALTH-F2-2011-278850, P-12/01/001-FIS)
  • Medical Private University Salzburg (HEALTH-F2-2011-278850, P-12/01/001-FIS)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Keywords
maternal brain, pregnancy, lactation, births, adult neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, dendritic remodeling, preeclampsia, maternal mental health, fetal and neonatal development
MeSH terms
Adult, Animals, Brain, Female, Humans, Mothers, Neuronal Plasticity, Pregnancy, Peripartum Period

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