The fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is particularly susceptible to long-term programming by glucocorticoids, which can have long-term effects. Here, the evidence regarding fetal programming of the HPA axis and behaviour in humans and animals after prenatal glucocorticoid exposure (either endogenous or synthetic) are discussed.
- Vasilis G. Moisiadis
- Stephen G. Matthews