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Repeated stress and structural plasticity in the brain.
Jason J Radley1, John H Morrison
1Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Ageing Research Reviews
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Chronic stress alters brain plasticity, leading to structural changes in key brain regions. These changes can impair stress response and impact mental health, particularly in aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Stress Research
Background:
- Adrenal steroid receptors are widespread in the central nervous system.
- Limbic and cortical regions are crucial for stress response and adaptation.
- Prolonged or severe stress can induce maladaptive brain plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how repeated stress alters brain plasticity in animal models.
- To discuss the relevance of these changes to behavior.
- To explore the implications for stress-related mental illnesses and aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stress, brain plasticity, and behavior in animal models.
- Analysis of structural plasticity changes in specific brain regions (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala).
- Examination of effects on neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
Main Results:
- Prolonged stress causes opposing structural plasticity effects: atrophy/synapse loss in hippocampus/prefrontal cortex, but growth in the amygdala.
- Neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus decreases following prolonged stress.
- These alterations are linked to impaired stress regulation and potential mental health issues.
Conclusions:
- Stress-induced changes in brain plasticity can impair the brain's ability to regulate and respond to stressors.
- Functional impairments in affected brain regions contribute to stress-related mental illnesses.
- Cumulative effects of stress on structural plasticity are significant in aging.