Neuroendocrine Regulation of Mammalian Pregnancy and Lactation

Adaptations to maternal physiology are required for a successful pregnancy outcome. These changes are primarily orchestrated by the mother’s brain and involve multiple neuroendocrine systems. For this book, the editors have gathered internationally recognized experts who have contributed to the major advances in our understanding of different aspects of the neuroendocrine regulation of mammalian pregnancy and lactation.

The book begins with a discussion of how pregnancy is recognized and maintained and the role of the placental hormones in supporting key adaptations required for a successful pregnancy. The next few chapters focus on the neuroendocrine adaptations that occur during pregnancy in some key regulatory processes to ensure a sufficient supply of energy and nutrients, protect the fetus from potentially harmful maternal stress hormones, and prepare mammals for birth, milk production, lactation and motherhood. Finally, our current understanding of how the significant peripartum hormonal changes contribute to the mother’s cognitive function and mood is examined.

This book provides a broad overview of the finely orchestrated neuroendocrine adaptations that occur in pregnancy and lactation and discusses how such changes contribute to maximizing the likelihood of a positive outcome for mother and infant. Importantly the evidence for involvement of neuroendocrine dysregulation in some pregnancy-related complications, such as preterm birth and perinatal mood disorders is also highlighted. In addition to addressing fundamental mechanisms in the regulation of mammalian pregnancy and lactation, the book includes the most recent advances in the field made possible by utilizing the latest innovative research technologies. Moreover, it provides opinions on optimal experimental approaches, relates findings from experimental animal models with those from humans, and outlines the direction and opportunities for future research in this arena. It is an essential resource for undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and early career researchers embarking upon their journey in the fields of neuroendocrinology, endocrinology, reproductive biology or behavioural neuroscience. It also provides a valuable synopsis for established neuroendocrine researchers and educators, especially those whose interest transcends the nexus between neuroendocrinology and reproductive biology. 

This is the 15th volume in the International Neuroendocrine Federation (INF) “Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology” series, which aims to illustrate the highest standards and to encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology.

Dr. Paula J. Brunton is currently a Senior Lecturer based at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Physiology in 1998 and her PhD in Neuroendocrinology in 2002, both from the University of Edinburgh. Her expertise lies in the area of stress neurobiology, neuroendocrinology and behaviour. Her key research themes are focused on understanding the impact of maternal stress exposure during pregnancy on the mother, the pregnancy, her offspring and on subsequent generations, with a particular emphasis on unearthing the underlying central mechanisms involved and how the effects can be prevented or reversed. Her research has revealed the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying altered stress responsivity in pregnancy and has also demonstrated that maternal exposure to stress during pregnancy is linked with adverse consequences for the offspring, some of which persist to the next generation. She has published over60 peer-reviewed research articles, invited reviews and book chapters, in the fields of neuroendocrinology and neuroscience. She has been a Senior Editor for the Journal of Neuroendocrinology, since 2017 and was elected to the Board of Trustees of the British Society for Neuroendocrinology in 2020. She organised the 4^th International Parental Brain Conference in 2010 and continues to serve on the scientific advisory committee for this meeting. She is also actively involved in delivering taught undergraduate degree programmes in Biomedical Sciences at both the University of Edinburgh and Zhejiang University, China on topics within the fields of endocrinology and neuroendocrinology.

Prof. David R. Grattan is a Professor in the Department of Anatomy and was Director of the Centre for Neuroendocrinology at the University of Otago (2018-2023).  He obtained a Ph.D. in Physiology in 1991 from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), then held a Post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD, USA), before returning to New Zealand to take up a Lecturer position in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Otago in 1995.  He was promoted to full Professor in 2009, and served as the Head of this Department from 2011-2014. He has published over 150 research articles, invited reviews and book chapters, in the fields of Neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Neuroscience, with a particular focus on the pituitary hormone prolactin and its role in the maternal brain during pregnancy and lactation. From 2009-2014 he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neuroendocrinology, and is currently an Associate Editor for Endocrinology.  He also chaired the organising committee for the 8th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology in Sydney, Australia, 2014. Dave has a strong interest in promoting the field of neuroendocrinology, the fascinating nexus between endocrinology and neuroscience.