Abstract
BACKGROUND
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with enhanced noradrenergic activity. Animal and human studies demonstrate that noradrenergic stimulation augments consolidation of fear learning. Retrieval of well-established memories by presenting a learned fear cue triggers reconsolidation processes during which memories may be updated, weakened, or strengthened. We previously reported that noradrenergic blockade in the rat amygdala impairs reconsolidation of fear memories. Here we investigated the effects of noradrenergic enhancement on reconsolidation of learned fear.
METHODS
Using auditory fear conditioning in rats, we tested the effects of postretrieval intraamygdala infusion of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol or the antagonist propranolol on conditioned fear in the amygdala.
RESULTS
A single intraamygdala infusion of isoproterenol following a retrieval of a well-consolidated memory enhanced fear memory elicited by the learned fear stimulus and impaired extinction of this memory 48 hr later. Intraamygdala infusion of the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol following a consecutive retrieval trial blocked the enhancing effects of isoproterenol on fear memory.
CONCLUSIONS
Postretrieval β-adrenergic stimulation in the amygdala enhances reconsolidation of fear memories, making them resistant to extinction. Noradrenergic augmentation during retrieval of fear memories may thus contribute to persistence and severity of traumatic memories. Reconsolidation may be a useful tool in understanding the pathology of PTSD and may thus help in developing new and in modifying existing treatments of traumatic memories.
Pub Type(s)
Journal Article
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
TY - JOUR
T1 - Noradrenergic enhancement of reconsolidation in the amygdala impairs extinction of conditioned fear in rats--a possible mechanism for the persistence of traumatic memories in PTSD.
AU - Dębiec,Jacek,
AU - Bush,David E A,
AU - LeDoux,Joseph E,
PY - 2011/3/12/entrez
PY - 2011/3/12/pubmed
PY - 2011/7/28/medline
SP - 186
EP - 93
JF - Depression and anxiety
JO - Depress Anxiety
VL - 28
IS - 3
N2 - BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with enhanced noradrenergic activity. Animal and human studies demonstrate that noradrenergic stimulation augments consolidation of fear learning. Retrieval of well-established memories by presenting a learned fear cue triggers reconsolidation processes during which memories may be updated, weakened, or strengthened. We previously reported that noradrenergic blockade in the rat amygdala impairs reconsolidation of fear memories. Here we investigated the effects of noradrenergic enhancement on reconsolidation of learned fear. METHODS: Using auditory fear conditioning in rats, we tested the effects of postretrieval intraamygdala infusion of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol or the antagonist propranolol on conditioned fear in the amygdala. RESULTS: A single intraamygdala infusion of isoproterenol following a retrieval of a well-consolidated memory enhanced fear memory elicited by the learned fear stimulus and impaired extinction of this memory 48 hr later. Intraamygdala infusion of the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol following a consecutive retrieval trial blocked the enhancing effects of isoproterenol on fear memory. CONCLUSIONS: Postretrieval β-adrenergic stimulation in the amygdala enhances reconsolidation of fear memories, making them resistant to extinction. Noradrenergic augmentation during retrieval of fear memories may thus contribute to persistence and severity of traumatic memories. Reconsolidation may be a useful tool in understanding the pathology of PTSD and may thus help in developing new and in modifying existing treatments of traumatic memories.
SN - 1520-6394
UR - https://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/citation/21394851/Noradrenergic_enhancement_of_reconsolidation_in_the_amygdala_impairs_extinction_of_conditioned_fear_in_rats__a_possible_mechanism_for_the_persistence_of_traumatic_memories_in_PTSD_
L2 - https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20803
DB - PRIME
DP - Unbound Medicine
ER -
