Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

Disrupting Reconsolidation of Fear Memory in Humans by a Noradrenergic β-Blocker
Published on: December 18, 2014
Beta-adrenergic receptor blockade by propranolol enhances retention in a multitrial passive-avoidance procedure
A M Schneider1, N S Koven, K A Lombardo
1Department of Psychology, Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania 19081, USA. aschnei1@swarthmore.edu
Abstract:
The effect of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on retention in a mildly aversive passive-avoidance procedure was investigated. Rats were given passive-avoidance training--1 trial per day for 4 days-and were administered saline, the centrally and peripherally acting beta-adrenergic blocker propranolol (4 or 10 mg/kg ip), or the peripherally acting beta-adrenergic blocker sotalol (4 or 10 mg/kg ip) immediately or 2 hr after the 1st trial. Enhanced retention occurred only with the higher dose (10 mg/kg) of propranolol and only when it was administered immediately after training. The enhanced retention produced by propranolol is discussed in terms of opposing, regionally specific actions of beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated neural circuits on modulation of memory.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of β-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Types of β-Blockers
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...
