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Hippocampal Insulin Microinjection and In vivo Microdialysis During Spatial Memory Testing

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Glucocorticoids Decrease Hippocampal and Prefrontal Activation during Declarative Memory Retrieval in Young Men.

Nicole Y L Oei, Bernet M Elzinga, Oliver T Wolf

Brain Imaging and Behavior

|December 1, 2009

Summary

Glucocorticoids (GCs) impair memory retrieval by reducing brain activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). This study used fMRI to pinpoint these effects during neutral word recall.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Endocrinology

Background:

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are linked to impaired declarative memory retrieval.
The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are implicated in GC-mediated memory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of GCs on brain activity during declarative memory retrieval using fMRI.
To localize the specific brain regions affected by GCs during memory recall.

Main Methods:

A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study involving 21 healthy young males.
Participants underwent fMRI during a memory recognition task after ingesting hydrocortisone or placebo.
Encoding of neutral and emotional words preceded memory retrieval.

Main Results:

Hydrocortisone administration significantly decreased brain activity in the hippocampus and PFC.
This reduction in activity was observed during successful retrieval of neutral words.
Findings support the role of GCs in modulating hippocampal and prefrontal function during memory processing.

Conclusions:

Glucocorticoids impact declarative memory retrieval by altering activity in key brain regions.
The hippocampus and PFC are critical targets for GC effects on memory.
This study provides fMRI evidence for GC-mediated modulation of memory-related neural circuits.