Background
Little is known about changes in brain function that may occur during pregnancy. Studies
in rodents and sheep suggest that several brain neurotransmitter and neurohormonal
systems known to modulate anxiety may be altered during pregnancy.
Methods
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples were obtained from 21 women (during weeks
38–39 of pregnancy) who were undergoing elective cesarean section and from 22 healthy
nonpregnant women.
Results
The CSF levels of g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycolwere
reduced in pregnant women. There were no changes in CSF glutamate, 5-hydroxyindoleactic
acid, and homovanillic acid. There was a large increase in CSF prolactin in pregnant
women and also a trend toward an elevation in CSF oxytocin. Levels of prolactin, but
not oxytocin, in CSF and plasma were correlated in pregnant women.
Conclusions
These results suggest that pregnancy alters regulation of brain GABA, norepinephrine,
and prolactin, which may play a role in changes in vulnerability to anxiety and depression
during pregnancy and postpartum. Prolactin circulating in the bloodstream seems to
be the major source of CSF prolactin during pregnancy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 3,
2004
Received in revised form:
April 7,
2004
Received:
December 30,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
