Work

Glucocorticoids in the prefrontal cortex enhance memory consolidation and impair working memory by a common neural mechanism

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: It is well established that acute administration of adrenocortical hormones enhances the consolidation of memories of emotional experiences and, concurrently, impairs working memory. These different glucocorticoid effects on these two memory functions have generally been considered to be independently regulated processes. Here we report that a glucocorticoid receptor agonist administered into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male Sprague-Dawley rats both enhances memory consolidation and impairs working memory. Both memory effects are mediated by activation of a membrane-bound steroid receptor and depend on noradrenergic activity within the mPFC to increase levels of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These findings provide direct evidence that glucocorticoid effects on both memory consolidation and working memory share a common neural influence within the mPFC.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1011975107

Authors: Areg Barsegyan, Scott M. Mackenzie, Brian D. Kurose, James L. McGaugh, Benno Roozendaal

Institutions: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University of California, Irvine, University of California System

Language: English

Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health