New neurons help us to remember fear
June 15, 2011
Newly generated neurons in the hippocampus that get activated by the amygdala may provide a “blank slate” on which a new fearful memory can be strongly imprinted, according to UC Berkeley researchers.
The finding has implications for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other problems caused by faulty regulation of emotional memory.
The team now plans to see whether other negative stimuli, such as stress and anxiety, similarly cooperate with amygdala activity to alter neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Ref.: Basolateral amygdala regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and fear-related activation of newborn neurons (June 14, 2011 AOP Molecular Psychiatry)