Altered blood-brain barrier development by early-life stress in an altricial mammal

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) develops following neurulation and continues its differentiation in postnatal life. Should BBB development be delayed it will make the brain prone to damage due to the noxious agents, such as high potassium and glutamate levels, circulating in the blood stream. The study here reported aimed to ascertain the effects of stress in uterus or during postnatal life on BBB development. Twelve Wistar rats and their pups (10 per litter) were used. Prenatal stress, 20min forced swimming in 32°C water, was done from embryonic day (E) 10 to E20. Controls were kept in the same environment withou…