Science with Seymour Levine: on glucocorticoid action from birth to senescence

Apr 6, 2026Neurobiology of stress

Glucocorticoid Hormone Effects Throughout Life, from Birth to Old Age

AI simplified

Abstract

Cessation of glucocorticoid receptor expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus may explain phase dissociation of the master pacemaker from glucocorticoid-driven cellular clocks.

  • Innervation by the optic nerve around postnatal day 12 is associated with changes in glucocorticoid receptor expression.
  • Maternal care is linked to protective effects against harmful influences and may help infants develop stress coping mechanisms.
  • Distinct components of maternal care, such as feeding and tactile interaction, can differentiate the activation of stress response systems in pups.
  • Maternal separation for 24 hours at postnatal day 3 may lead to cognitive aging that ranges from senility to excellence.
  • Glucocorticoid action during early life potentially amplifies individual differences in stress coping and adaptation throughout life.

AI simplified

Full Text

We can’t show the full text here under this license. Use the link below to read it at the source.

what lands in your inbox each week:

  • 📚7 fresh studies
  • 📝plain-language summaries
  • direct links to original studies
  • 🏅top journal indicators
  • 📅weekly delivery
  • 🧘‍♂️always free