Impact of stress on inhibitory neuronal circuits, our tribute to Bruce McEwen

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Stress Research
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Stress significantly impacts brain function and behavior.
• Inhibitory circuits, particularly in the limbic system, are crucial for regulating responses to stress.
• Understanding stress-induced alterations in these circuits is vital for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of acute and chronic stress on inhibitory circuits across the lifespan.
• To examine the influence of sex on stress responses within these neural networks.
• To explore how stress impacts GABAergic neurotransmission and specific interneuron populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on stress, inhibitory neurons, and plasticity.
• Analysis of effects on GABAergic molecules and interneuron subtypes (parvalbumin, somatostatin).
• Investigation of stress impacts on neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and perineuronal nets.

Main Results:

• Stress alters the physiology and molecular expression of inhibitory neurons.
• Specific interneuron populations, like parvalbumin and somatostatin cells, are differentially affected by stress.
• Stress impacts molecules and structures critical for inhibitory neuron plasticity, including NCAM and perineuronal nets.

Conclusions:

• Stress profoundly affects inhibitory circuits, influencing neuronal plasticity and GABAergic function.
• These stress-induced changes vary with developmental stage and sex.
• Antidepressants and environmental interventions show potential for reversing detrimental stress effects on inhibitory circuits.