The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is susceptible to programming during fetal life. Such programming occurs, at least partially, at the level of the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a central role in regulation of the HPA axis and release of endogenous glucocorticoids, via mediation of glucocorticoid negative feedback. Fetal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids can permanently alt...