A neuroplasticity hypothesis of chronic stress in the basolateral amygdala

Yale J Biol Med. 2013 Jun 13;86(2):117-25. Print 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Chronic stress plays a role in the etiology of several affective and anxiety-related disorders. Despite this, its mechanistic effects on the brain are still unclear. Of particular interest is the effect of chronic stress on the amygdala, which plays a key role in the regulation of emotional responses and memory consolidation. This review proposes a neuroplasticity model for the effects of chronic stress in this region, emphasizing the roles of glutamate and BDNF signaling. This model provides a review of recent discoveries of the effects of chronic stress in the amygdala and reveals pathways for future research.

Keywords: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor; anandamide (AEA); basolateral amygdala (BLA); brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); chronic stress; fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH); glutamate; neuroplasticity; small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK channels).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amygdala / pathology*
  • Amygdala / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Learning
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Neuronal Plasticity*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stress, Psychological / pathology*
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*