Epigenetic Mechanisms of Long-Term Effects of Mother-Infant Relationship on Physiology and Behavior of the Offspring.

Abstract

The quality of mother-infant relationship in the early postnatal period influences the neurophysiology and behavior of adult animals via epigenetic mechanisms. The most studied target of long-term effects of early life events on physiology and behavior is hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, in particular, epigenetic programming of glucocorticoid receptor gene expression. Inhibition of histone deacetylases is a tool for epigenetic modulation of nervous system plasticity. Using this approach, it was demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in physiological and behavioral modifications. It is also promising tool for reversing the negative effects of disturbances in the mother-infant relationship early in life. To date, however, the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors is widespread in adult animals, while studies in the early postnatal period are still scarce despite their relevance.