Maternal brain alterations based on neurotransmitter and hormone receptor distributions over six months postpartum - PubMed
3 hours ago
- #Maternal Brain
- #Neuroreceptors
- #Postpartum Changes
- Gray matter volume (GMV) in postpartum women increased for at least 24 weeks after childbirth, slowing later, and was associated with GABA-A and glutamate receptor distributions.
- The most significant GMV increase occurred at three weeks postpartum, co-localized with cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone receptor systems, while increases from 12 to 24 weeks aligned with oxytocin receptor-rich areas.
- Compared to nulliparous controls, maternal brains showed persistently smaller GMV in regions like the amygdala, hippocampus, putamen, and SMA throughout the postpartum period.
- Reduced hostility toward infants in later postpartum phases was linked to smaller volumes in the left hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, and amygdala.
- Brain adaptations during postpartum involve receptor-specific changes and maternal experience, likely mediated by oxytocin, with GABA-A and glutamate receptors playing a role in mood regulation.