Early life stress decreases cell proliferation and the number of putative adult neural stem cells in the adult hypothalamus.

Stress is a potent environmental factor that can confer potent and enduring effects on brain structure and function. Exposure to stress during early life (ELS) has been linked to a wide range of consequences later in life. In particular, ELS exerts lasting effects on neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, suggesting that ELS is a significant regulator of adult neural stem cell numbers and function.