Beta-adrenergic blockade during memory retrieval in humans evokes a sustained reduction of declarative emotional memory enhancement.
Memory enhancement for emotional events is dependent on amygdala activation and noradrenergic modulation during learning. A potential role for noradrenaline (NE) during retrieval of emotional memory is less well understood. Here, we report that administration of the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol at retrieval abolishes a declarative memory enhancement for emotional items. Critically, this effect persists at a subsequent 24 h memory test, in the absence of propranolol. Thus, these findings extend our current understanding of the role of NE in emotional memory to encompass effects at retrieval, and provide face validity to clinical interventions using beta-adrenergic antagonists in conjunction with reactivation of unwanted memories in anxiety-related disorders.
Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom.
Marijn C W
MC
Kroes
Bryan A
BA
Strange
Raymond J
RJ
Dolan
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011433:Propranolol