Early handling modulates outcome of neonatal dexamethasone exposure

► Neonatal DEX treatment reduces body weight and accelerates eye opening. ► Neonatal handling enhances maternal care upon reunion. ► DEX treatment prevents beneficial effects of handling on sensorimotor gating. ► Non-handled animals are more susceptible to the impact of DEX treatment. ► Neonatal handling normalizes DEX-induced impairment in spatial orientation.