Jm. Bakker et al., Neonatal glucocorticoids and the developing brain: short-term treatment with life-long consequences?, TRENDS NEUR, 24(11), 2001, pp. 649-653
Although synthetic glucocorticoids are frequently used in hospital for the
prevention of chronic lung disease in premature infants, major concern has
arisen about the possible long-term consequences of these treatments. Anima
l research provides evidence for the idea that neonatal glucocorticoid trea
tment enhances susceptibility to autoimmune disease in adult life. Altered
functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and/or changes at hi
gher brain levels might underlie alterations in disease susceptibility.