Schimmel/Conrades Science Center 163

“Elevated Levels of Maternal Stress Hormone During Pregnancy Enhances Offspring Airway Inflammatory Response in a Sex-Specific Manner”

The prevalence of atopic disorders, to include allergic asthma, have increased dramatically in the past thirty years. The association between maternal stress during pregnancy and increased risk of asthma in children is well established however, the mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive. We examined the effects of increased maternal stress hormone (CORT) during pregnancy on development of allergic asthma in offspring using a mouse model. Notably, increased stress hormone enhanced allergic asthma response in offspring in a sex-specific fashion.


Dr. Arianna L. Smith is an assistant professor of Biology at Kenyon College.