title: Stress and emotional memory: a matter of timing.
abstract: Stressful events activate the amygdala and a network of associated brain regions. Studies in both humans and rodents indicate that noradrenaline has a prominent role in this activation. Noradrenaline induces a hypervigilant state that helps to remember the event. This mnemonic effect is enhanced when the situation is so stressful that substantial amounts of corticosteroids are released and reach the amygdala. The combination of the two hormones leads to optimal strengthening of contacts and thus memory. Yet, rises in corticosteroid levels that are not precisely synchronized with noradrenaline release do not act synergistically but rather prevent or suppress the effect of noradrenaline. This dynamic interaction illustrates the adaptive and potentially protective capacity of corticosteroids regarding traumatic memories.
authors.affiliation: Department Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Division of Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht, Rudolf Magnus Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.joels@umcutrecht.nl
authors.forename: Marian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joëls
authors.forename: Guillen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fernandez
authors.forename: Benno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Roozendaal
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000378:metabolism; D018091:Receptors, AMPA; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018091:Receptors, AMPA; D009638:Norepinephrine