The Long-Term Consequences of Pubertal Immune Stress on Learning and Memory

Abstract

Puberty is a critical period for gonadal maturation and brain development (Sisk & Foster, 2004; Blakemore, Burnett, & Dahl, 2010)1. The pubertal brain is also particularly vulnerable to damage, and early activation of the immune response from external stressors influences various aspects of brain functioning, including learning and memory (Ratnayake, Quinn, Walker, & Dickinson, 2013)2. However, the enduring impact of a pubertal stressor, especially in the context of sex differences and gonadal status, is largely unknown.