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[Influence of stress on learning and memory]
1Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Meijo University, Nagoya, 468-8503 Japan.
Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi = Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Stress significantly impairs learning and memory, a condition known as learned helplessness. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can ameliorate these effects, offering hope for conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stress profoundly impacts cognitive functions, particularly learning and memory.
- Learned helplessness, induced by inescapable stress, is a key behavioral correlate.
- Impairments in learning and memory are characteristic of stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the influence of various stressors on learning and memory processes.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in mitigating stress-induced cognitive deficits.
- To explore the neurobiological underpinnings of stress-related memory impairments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized animal models subjected to different types of stress (e.g., electroshock, footshock, psychological stress, forced swimming).
- Assessed learning and memory performance using behavioral paradigms such as active conditioned avoidance response (lever-pressing) and spontaneous alternation performance.
- Examined the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on stress-induced behavioral deficits.
Main Results:
- Inescapable electroshock induced learned helplessness in mice, impairing active conditioned avoidance response.
- Treatment with antidepressants, including SSRIs, ameliorated learned helplessness.
- Various stressors were shown to negatively influence learning and memory, as measured by spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance tasks.
- Stressors alter the activity of key neurochemical systems, including monoamines, neuropeptides, and excitatory amino acids.
Conclusions:
- Stress exerts a significant detrimental effect on learning and memory.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in reversing stress-induced cognitive impairments.
- Further research is required to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying stress's impact on learning and memory.