Short communication: Ex-vivo effects of fluoxetine on production of biomarkers for inflammation and neurodevelopment by the placenta

Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed during pregnancy but developmental exposure to the drug, like infection, is associated with sex-specific behavioral changes in the offspring. We evaluated the effects of Fluoxetine on production of biomarkers for inflammation (pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines) and neurodevelopment (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, BDNF) in the presence and absence of infection in female and male placenta explant cultures. In addition to minor anti-inflammatory effects of the drug, Fluoxetine had significant sex- and infection-dependent effects on BDNF production. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which these observed changes occur in vivo and their impact on pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Automated summary

Fluoxetine prescribed during pregnancy can lead to sex-specific behavioral changes in offspring, similar to infections. The drug has significant sex- and infection-dependent effects on BDNF production in placenta explant cultures. Further studies are needed to investigate these effects in vivo and their impact on pregnancy and neurodevelopment outcomes.