title: A neuroplasticity hypothesis of chronic stress in the basolateral amygdala.
abstract: Chronic stress plays a role in the etiology of several affective and anxiety-related disorders. Despite this, its mechanistic effects on the brain are still unclear. Of particular interest is the effect of chronic stress on the amygdala, which plays a key role in the regulation of emotional responses and memory consolidation. This review proposes a neuroplasticity model for the effects of chronic stress in this region, emphasizing the roles of glutamate and BDNF signaling. This model provides a review of recent discoveries of the effects of chronic stress in the amygdala and reveals pathways for future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. lara.boyle@yale.edu
authors.forename: Lara M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000679:Amygdala / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor; anandamide (AEA); basolateral amygdala (BLA); brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); chronic stress; fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH); glutamate; neuroplasticity; small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK channels)