allopregnanolone

Definition

A naturally occurring neurosteroid found in breast milk that may help regulate the nervous system and infant emotional development.

Etymology

The word is a chemical compound name derived from 'allo-' (from the Greek 'allos', meaning other or different), 'pregnane' (a steroid hydrocarbon), and '-olone' (a chemical suffix for a ketone compound).

In the news

Researchers investigated allopregnanolone in mother's milk as a biological buffer that may mitigate the negative effects of maternal stress on an infant's ability to regulate their emotions.

Studies reveal how instability may shape infant attention, brain activity and emotional regulation

Medical Xpress

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