Endocrine Abstracts

Glucocorticoids have profound effects in development, altering cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and network formation. It has been shown that the developing fetus is protected from high maternal glucocorticoid levels by the presence of 11beta-HSD2 in the placenta and if this enzyme is inhibited, programmed changes of adult health are observed (hypertension, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance). The developing brain is a sensitive target for glucocorticoids and hen...