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Rahimi-Danesh M, Samizadeh MA, Sajadi AE, Rezvankhah T, Vaseghi S. Sex difference affects fear extinction but not lithium efficacy in rats following fear-conditioning with respect to the hippocampal level of BDNF. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 234:173675. [PMID: 37972713 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In rodents, exposure to electrical shock and creating a strong fear memory using fear-conditioning model can induce PTSD-like behavior. In this study, we induced a fear-conditioning model in rats and investigated freezing (PTSD-like) behavior, 21 days after three shocks exposure (0.6 mA, 3 s, 30 seconds interval) in both male and female rats. Lithium was injected intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) in three protocols: (1) 1 h after fear-conditioning (2) 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after fear-conditioning (3), 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after fear-conditioning. Extinction training (20 sounds without shocks, 75 dB, 3 s, 30 seconds interval) was performed in three protocols: (1) 1 h after fear-conditioning (one session), (2) 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after fear-conditioning (three sessions), (3), 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after fear-conditioning (five sessions). Forced swim test (FST) and hot plate were used to assess behavior. Results showed that lithium in all protocols had no effect on freezing behavior, FST, and pain subthreshold in all rats. Extinction training decreased freezing behavior, with more efficacy in females. In males, only 5-session training was effective, while in females all protocols were effective. Extinction training also altered pain perception and the results of FST, depending on the sessions and was different in males and females. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA level was increased in females following 3 and 5 sessions, and in males following 5 sessions extinction training. In conclusion, we suggested that there is a sex difference for the effect of extinction training on freezing behavior and BDNF mRNA level in a rat model of fear-conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrsa Rahimi-Danesh
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Samizadeh
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amir-Ehsan Sajadi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Tara Rezvankhah
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran; Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
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Appraising reconsolidation theory and its empirical validation. Psychon Bull Rev 2022; 30:450-463. [PMID: 36085236 PMCID: PMC7614440 DOI: 10.3758/s13423-022-02173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Re-exposure to elements of prior experiences can create opportunities for inducing amnesia for those events. The dominant theoretical framework posits that such re-exposure can result in memory destabilization, making the memory representation temporarily sensitive to disruption while it awaits reconsolidation. If true, such a mechanism that allows for memories to be permanently changed could have important implications for the treatment of several forms of psychopathology. However, there have been contradictory findings and elusive occurrences of replication failures within the "reconsolidation" field. Considering its potential relevance for clinical applications, the fact that this "hot" research area is being dominated by a single mechanistic theory, and the presence of unexplainable contradictory findings, we believe that it is both useful and timely to critically evaluate the reconsolidation framework. We discuss potential issues that may arise from how reconsolidation interference has typically been deducted from behavioral observations, and provide a principled assessment of reconsolidation theory that illustrates that the theory and its proposed boundary conditions are vaguely defined, which has made it close to impossible to refute reconsolidation theory. We advocate for caution, encouraging researchers not to blindly assume that a reconsolidation process must underlie their findings, and pointing out the risks of doing so. Finally, we suggest concrete theoretical and methodological advances that can promote a fruitful translation of reminder-dependent amnesia into clinical treatment.
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Raut SB, Canales JJ, Ravindran M, Eri R, Benedek DM, Ursano RJ, Johnson LR. Effects of propranolol on the modification of trauma memory reconsolidation in PTSD patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 150:246-256. [PMID: 35405409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after an exposure to a life-threatening event and is characterized by intrusive memories. According to memory reconsolidation theory retrieval of memory under certain conditions leads to its labilization and subsequent re-storage which could be disrupted by drugs. Propranolol has been the most commonly investigated drug for memory reconsolidation therapy in clinical trials. Intervention with propranolol have shown mixed results in PTSD patients with some studies showing improvement in symptoms while other failing to replicate these findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of trauma memory disruption by propranolol on PTSD symptoms and physiological responses in PTSD patients. 3224 publications were assessed for eligibility. Seven studies on effects of propranolol on PTSD symptoms and 3 studies on effects of propranolol on physiological responses were incorporated in the meta-analyses. Overall, results indicate that propranolol did not show a beneficial effect on PTSD symptoms (standardized mean difference: 1.29; 95% CI = -2.16 - 0.17). Similarly, propranolol did not influence skin conductance (standardized mean difference: 0.77; 95% CI = -1.85 - 0.31) or EMG response (standardized mean difference: 0.16; 95% CI = -0.65 - 0.33). However, propranolol significantly reduced heart rate after trauma memory recall compared to placebo (standardized mean difference: 0.67; 95% CI = -1.27 to -0.07). This study finds a lack of evidence for the efficacy of propranolol on traumatic memory disruption, in PTSD patients, to recommend its routine clinical use. However, a high level of heterogeneity, variation in propranolol dosage and inadequate sample sizes mean that these findings require cautious interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket B Raut
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - Juan J Canales
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - Manoj Ravindran
- Department of Psychiatry, North West Private Hospital, Burnie, TAS, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - David M Benedek
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Luke R Johnson
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS, 7250, Australia; Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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Raut SB, Marathe PA, van Eijk L, Eri R, Ravindran M, Benedek DM, Ursano RJ, Canales JJ, Johnson LR. Diverse therapeutic developments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) indicate common mechanisms of memory modulation. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108195. [PMID: 35489438 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by abnormally persistent and distressing memories, is a chronic debilitating condition in need of new treatment options. Current treatment guidelines recommend psychotherapy as first line management with only two drugs, sertraline and paroxetine, approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of PTSD. These drugs have limited efficacy as they only reduce symptoms related to depression and anxiety without producing permanent remission. PTSD remains a significant public health problem with high morbidity and mortality requiring major advances in therapeutics. Early evidence has emerged for the beneficial effects of psychedelics particularly in combination with psychotherapy for management of PTSD, including psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, cannabinoids, ayahuasca and ketamine. MDMA and psilocybin reduce barrier to therapy by increasing trust between therapist and patient, thus allowing for modification of trauma related memories. Furthermore, research into the memory reconsolidation mechanisms has allowed for identification of various pharmacological targets to disrupt abnormally persistent memories. A number of pre-clinical and clinical studies have investigated novel and re-purposed pharmacological agents to disrupt fear memory in PTSD. Novel therapeutic approaches like neuropeptide Y, oxytocin, cannabinoids and neuroactive steroids have also shown potential for PTSD treatment. Here, we focus on the role of fear memory in the pathophysiology of PTSD and propose that many of these new therapeutic strategies produce benefits through the effect on fear memory. Evaluation of recent research findings suggests that while a number of drugs have shown promising results in preclinical studies and pilot clinical trials, the evidence from large scale clinical trials would be needed for these drugs to be incorporated in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket B Raut
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Padmaja A Marathe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Liza van Eijk
- Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Manoj Ravindran
- Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, North-West Private Hospital, Burnie TAS 7320, Australia
| | - David M Benedek
- Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Juan J Canales
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Luke R Johnson
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia; Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Mugnaini M, Alfei JM, Bueno AM, Ferrer Monti RI, Urcelay GP. Fear memory modulation by incentive down and up-shifts. Behav Brain Res 2022; 422:113766. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Pigeon S, Lonergan M, Rotondo O, Pitman RK, Brunet A. Impairing memory reconsolidation with propranolol in healthy and clinical samples: a meta-analysis. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2022; 47:E109-E122. [PMID: 35361699 PMCID: PMC8979654 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.210057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reconsolidation impairment using propranolol is a novel intervention for mental disorders with an emotional memory at their core. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the evidence for this intervention in healthy and clinical adult samples. METHODS We searched 8 databases for randomized, double-blind studies that involved at least 1 propranolol group and 1 placebo group. We conducted a meta-analysis of 14 studies (n = 478) in healthy adults and 12 studies in clinical samples (n = 446). RESULTS Compared to placebo, reconsolidation impairment under propranolol resulted in reduced recall of aversive material and cue-elicited conditioned emotional responses in healthy adults, as evidenced by an effect size (Hedges g) of -0.51 (p = 0.002, 2-tailed). Moreover, compared to placebo, reconsolidation impairment under propranolol alleviated psychiatric symptoms and reduced cue-elicited reactivity in clinical samples with posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction or phobia (g = -0.42, p = 0.010). LIMITATIONS Methodological differences between studies posed an obstacle for identifying sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Reconsolidation impairment is a robust, well-replicated phenomenon in humans. Its clinical use is promising and deserves further controlled investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sereena Pigeon
- From McGill University, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada (Lonergan); and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA (Pitman)
| | - Michelle Lonergan
- From McGill University, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada (Lonergan); and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA (Pitman)
| | - Olivia Rotondo
- From McGill University, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada (Lonergan); and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA (Pitman)
| | - Roger K Pitman
- From McGill University, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada (Lonergan); and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA (Pitman)
| | - Alain Brunet
- From McGill University, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Center, Montréal, Que., Canada (Pigeon, Lonergan, Rotondo, Brunet); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada (Lonergan); and the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass., USA (Pitman)
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7
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Rotondo F, Biddle K, Chen J, Ferencik J, d'Esneval M, Milton AL. Lack of Effect of Propranolol on the Reconsolidation of Conditioned Fear Memory due to a Failure to Engage Memory Destabilisation. Neuroscience 2021; 480:9-18. [PMID: 34774713 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The prospect of exploiting memory reconsolidation to treat mental health disorders has received great research interest, particularly following demonstrations that the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol, which is safe for use in humans, can disrupt the reconsolidation of pavlovian conditioned fear memories. However, recent studies have failed to replicate the effects of propranolol on fear memory reconsolidation, and have questioned whether treatments based upon reconsolidation blockade would be robust enough for clinical translation. It remains possible, though, that studies reporting no effect of propranolol on memory reconsolidation could be due to a failure to engage the memory destabilisation process, which is necessary for the memory to become susceptible to disruption with amnestic agents. Demonstrating that memory destabilisation has not been engaged is challenging when only using behavioural measures, but there are molecular correlates of memory destabilisation that can be used to determine whether memory lability has been induced. Here, we attempted to replicate the classic finding that systemic administration of propranolol disrupts the reconsolidation of a pavlovian auditory fear memory. Following a failure to replicate, we manipulated the parameters of the memory reactivation session to enhance prediction error in an attempt to overcome the boundary conditions of reconsolidation. On finding no disruption of memory despite these manipulations, we examined the expression of the post-synaptic density protein Shank in the basolateral amygdala. Degradation of Shank has been shown to correlate with the induction of memory lability, but we found no effect on Shank expression, consistent with the lack of observed behavioural effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rotondo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri, 5, 34127 Trieste, TS, Italy
| | - Kathryn Biddle
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, UK
| | - Josh Ferencik
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mathilde d'Esneval
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, UK; Department of Neurology, Geneva University Hospital, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 2105 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amy L Milton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, UK.
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Luyten L, Schnell AE, Schroyens N, Beckers T. Lack of drug-induced post-retrieval amnesia for auditory fear memories in rats. BMC Biol 2021; 19:17. [PMID: 33499865 PMCID: PMC7836479 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00957-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term memory formation is generally assumed to involve the permanent storage of recently acquired memories, making them relatively insensitive to disruption, a process referred to as memory consolidation. However, when retrieved under specific circumstances, consolidated fear memories are thought to return to a labile state, thereby opening a window for modification (e.g., attenuation) of the memory. Several interventions during a critical time frame after this destabilization seem to be able to alter the retrieved memory, for example by pharmacologically interfering with the restabilization process, either by direct protein synthesis inhibition or indirectly, using drugs that can be safely administered in patients (e.g., propranolol). Here, we find that, contrary to expectations, systemic pharmacological manipulations in auditory fear-conditioned rats do not lead to drug-induced post-retrieval amnesia. RESULTS In a series of well-powered auditory fear conditioning experiments (four with propranolol, 10 mg/kg, two with rapamycin, 20-40 mg/kg, one with anisomycin, 150 mg/kg and cycloheximide, 1.5 mg/kg), we found no evidence for reduced cued fear memory expression during a drug-free test in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats that had previously received a systemic drug injection upon retrieval of the tone fear memory. All experiments used standard fear conditioning and reactivation procedures with freezing as the behavioral read-out (conceptual or exact replications of published reports) and common pharmacological agents. Additional tests confirmed that the applied drug doses and administration routes were effective in inducing their conventional effects on expression of fear (propranolol, acutely), body weight (rapamycin, anisomycin, cycloheximide), and consolidation of extinction memories (cycloheximide). CONCLUSIONS In contrast with previously published studies, we did not find evidence for drug-induced post-retrieval amnesia, underlining that this effect, as well as its clinical applicability, may be considerably more constrained and less readily reproduced than what the current literature would suggest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Luyten
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Tiensestraat 102 PB 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Elisabeth Schnell
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Tiensestraat 102 PB 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Natalie Schroyens
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Tiensestraat 102 PB 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Beckers
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Tiensestraat 102 PB 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49 PB 1021, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Reactivation-Dependent Amnesia for Contextual Fear Memories: Evidence for Publication Bias. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0108-20.2020. [PMID: 33355289 PMCID: PMC7877470 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0108-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on memory reconsolidation has been booming in the last two decades, with numerous high-impact publications reporting promising amnestic interventions in rodents and humans. However, our own recently-published failed replication attempts of reactivation-dependent amnesia for fear memories in rats suggest that such amnestic effects are not always readily found and that they depend on subtle and possibly uncontrollable parameters. The discrepancy between our observations and published studies in rodents suggests that the literature in this field might be biased. The aim of the current study was to gauge the presence of publication bias in a well-delineated part of the reconsolidation literature. To this end, we performed a systematic review of the literature on reactivation-dependent amnesia for contextual fear memories in rodents, followed by a statistical assessment of publication bias in this sample. In addition, relevant researchers were contacted for unpublished results, which were included in the current analyses. The obtained results support the presence of publication bias, suggesting that the literature provides an overly optimistic overall estimate of the size and reproducibility of amnestic effects. Reactivation-dependent amnesia for contextual fear memories in rodents is thus less robust than what is projected by the literature. The moderate success of clinical studies may be in line with this conclusion, rather than reflecting translational issues. For the field to evolve, replication and non-biased publication of obtained results are essential. A set of tools that can create opportunities to increase transparency, reproducibility and credibility of research findings is provided.
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Rafiq S, Batool Z, Liaquat L, Haider S. Blockade of muscarinic receptors impairs reconsolidation of older fear memory by decreasing cholinergic neurotransmission: A study in rat model of PTSD. Life Sci 2020; 256:118014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Boundary conditions of post-retrieval extinction: A direct comparison of low and high partial reinforcement. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 174:107285. [PMID: 32745600 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Research has shown that a single presentation of the conditioned stimulus prior to extinction training can diminish conditioned responses. However, replication has proven difficult and appears to be limited by boundary conditions. Here we tested the boundary condition of memory strength by comparing the effect of reinforcement rate to assess its role in post-retrieval extinction. Eighty university students had undergone a three-day fear conditioning experiment in which two partial reinforcement schedules (40%, 80%) were applied. The findings indicated that both low and high partial reinforcement groups did not demonstrate recovery of conditioned responses after post-retrieval extinction. In contrast, both groups demonstrated significant recovery to standard extinction with significantly greater recovery in the 80% group relative to the 40% group. Additionally, we found that greater physiological arousal during memory retrieval significantly predicted recovery of fear at test phase. We conclude that when compared to a lower partial reinforcement schedule, a higher partial reinforcement resulted in the formation of a stronger memory as indicated by greater physiological arousal during memory reactivation and recovery of conditioned responses after standard extinction, but that it does not function as a boundary condition of post-retrieval extinction. These data are significant because it is the first study to investigate the effect of varying partial reinforcement schedules on fear recovery and add to the body of literature that continue to identify sources of failure in the application of post-retrieval extinction.
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12
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Cross-Frequency Phase-Amplitude Coupling between Hippocampal Theta and Gamma Oscillations during Recall Destabilizes Memory and Renders It Susceptible to Reconsolidation Disruption. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6398-6408. [PMID: 32661022 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0259-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Avoidance memory reactivation at recall triggers theta-gamma hippocampal phase amplitude coupling (hPAC) only when it elicits hippocampus-dependent reconsolidation. However, it is not known whether there is a causal relationship between these phenomena. We found that in adult male Wistar rats, silencing the medial septum during recall did not affect avoidance memory expression or maintenance but abolished hPAC and the amnesia caused by the intrahippocampal administration of reconsolidation blockers, both of which were restored by concomitant theta burst stimulation of the fimbria-fornix pathway. Remarkably, artificial hPAC generated by fimbria-fornix stimulation during recall of a learned avoidance response naturally resistant to hippocampus-dependent reconsolidation made it susceptible to reactivation-dependent amnesia. Our results indicate that hPAC mediates the destabilization required for avoidance memory reconsolidation and suggest that the generation of artificial hPAC at recall overcomes the boundary conditions of this process.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Theta-gamma hippocampal phase-amplitude coupling (hPAC) increases during the induction of hippocampus-dependent avoidance memory reconsolidation. However, whether hPAC plays a causal role in this process remains unknown. Using behavioral, electrophysiological, optogenetic, and biochemical tools in adult male Wistar rats, we demonstrate that reactivation-induced hPAC is necessary for avoidance memory destabilization, and that artificial induction of this patterned activity during recall of reconsolidation-resistant aversive memories renders them liable to the amnesic effect of reconsolidation inhibitors.
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13
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Schroyens N, Alfei JM, Schnell AE, Luyten L, Beckers T. Limited replicability of drug-induced amnesia after contextual fear memory retrieval in rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 166:107105. [PMID: 31705982 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
With the ultimate goal of investigating boundary conditions for post-reactivation amnesia, we set out to replicate studies in which systemic, post-reactivation administration of midazolam, propranolol, or cycloheximide resulted in amnesia for contextual fear memories. Our experiments involved conceptual as well as exact replications of previously published studies. In most of our experiments, we adopted a procedure that conformed to the standard 3-day protocol typically used in the literature, with contextual fear conditioning on day 1, unreinforced re-exposure to the conditioning context followed by systemic injection of the amnestic drug on day 2, and a memory retention test on day 3. Given the plethora of successful studies with large effects sizes and the absence of any failed replications in the literature, we were surprised to find that we were generally unable to replicate those findings. Our results suggest that post-reactivation amnesia by systemic drug administration in rats is more difficult to obtain than what would be expected based on published empirical reports. At present, it remains unclear which conditions determine the success of this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Schroyens
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 bus 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joaquín Matias Alfei
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 bus 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Anna Elisabeth Schnell
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 bus 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 bus 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium(2).
| | - Laura Luyten
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 bus 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tom Beckers
- Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 bus 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Leuven Brain Institute, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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14
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Monfils MH, Holmes EA. Memory boundaries: opening a window inspired by reconsolidation to treat anxiety, trauma-related, and addiction disorders. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5:1032-1042. [PMID: 30385214 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pioneering research over the past two decades has shown that memories are far more malleable than we once thought, thereby highlighting the potential for new clinical avenues for treatment of psychopathology. We first briefly review the historical foundation of memory reconsolidation-a concept that refers to hypothetical processes that occur when a memory is retrieved and restored. Then, we provide an overview of the basic research on memory reconsolidation that has been done with humans and other animals, focusing on models of fear, anxiety-related disorders, and addiction, from the perspective that they all involve disorders of memory. This basic research has fuelled early stage developments of novel treatment techniques. More specifically, we consider behavioural interventions inspired by reconsolidation updating, namely retrieval-extinction techniques. We discuss the set of principles that would be needed for memory modifications within a putative reconsolidation time window, and review research that employs reconsolidation-based strategies with clinical populations. We conclude by highlighting current pitfalls and controversies surrounding the use of reconsolidation-based approaches, but end on an optimistic note for clinical research going forward. Despite the challenges, we believe that drawing on ideas from psychological science can help open up treatment innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie H Monfils
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Division of Psychology, Department for Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Robinson S, Christ CC, Cahill MM, Aldrich SJ, Taylor-Yeremeeva E. Voluntary exercise or systemic propranolol ameliorates stress-related maladaptive behaviors in female rats. Physiol Behav 2018; 198:120-133. [PMID: 30336229 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, with up to 20% developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-like symptoms. In addition, the likelihood that females will develop PTSD after trauma is more than twice that of males. Despite its prevalence, current treatment strategies for trauma victims are limited and substantial portions of affected individuals remain resistant to treatment, suggesting that additional interventions are necessary. Using an animal model of traumatic stress, the present studies tested the hypothesis that either voluntary exercise and/or administration of the adrenergic beta-receptor antagonist propranolol, would ameliorate stress-related maladaptive behaviors. In Study 1 four groups of female rats were exposed to a sequence of stressors that included anesthesia, restraint, forced swim, exposure to predator scent and fear conditioning. Rats then underwent re-exposure sessions in which stress-related conditioned stimuli were presented. In addition to re-exposure, stressed rats were treated with propranolol (10 mg/kg) and/or given the opportunity to engage in voluntary wheel running intermittently for 4 weeks. Stress-associated maladaptive behavior was assessed using the elevated plus and open field mazes and fear memory tests. Cognitive ability was assessed using a novel odor recognition task. A main effect of exercise on behaviors related to anxiety and resilience was observed, but neither a main effect of propranolol nor a synergistic effect of propranolol and exercise were observed. Neither stress induction nor treatment influenced recognition memory. In contrast, in Study 2 in which the timing and dosage of propranolol (0.25-2.0 mg/kg), and the number and timing of re-exposure sessions were adjusted, propranolol produced both a reduction in anxiety-like behaviors as well as resilience to a subsequent stressor. These results are consistent with the notion that combining re-exposure therapy with additional interventions is beneficial for female trauma victims. Furthermore, the findings support the view that in pre-clinical models, voluntary exercise, which bolsters hippocampal function and propranolol, which affects amygdala-dependent memory reconsolidation and peripheral noradrenergic signaling, can ameliorate stress-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Robinson
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, United States.
| | - Christa C Christ
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC 29303, United States
| | - Margaret M Cahill
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, United States
| | - Sara J Aldrich
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, United States
| | - Elisa Taylor-Yeremeeva
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, United States
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16
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Abstract
One of the consequences of chronic methamphetamine (Meth) abuse and Meth addiction is impaired hippocampal function which plays a critical role in enhanced propensity for relapse. This impairment is predicted by alterations in hippocampal neurogenesis, structural- and functional-plasticity of granule cell neurons (GCNs), and expression of plasticity-related proteins in the dentate gyrus. This review will elaborate on the effects of Meth in animal models during different stages of addiction-like behavior on proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and survival of newly born neural progenitor cells. We will then discuss evidence for the contribution of adult neurogenesis in context-driven Meth-seeking behavior in animal models. These findings from interdisciplinary studies suggest that a subset of newly born GCNs contribute to context-driven Meth-seeking in Meth addicted animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Takashima
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Chitra D. Mandyam
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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17
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Goodwin GM, Holmes EA, Andersson E, Browning M, Jones A, Lass-Hennemann J, Månsson KN, Moessnang C, Salemink E, Sanchez A, van Zutphen L, Visser RM. From neuroscience to evidence based psychological treatments - The promise and the challenge, ECNP March 2016, Nice, France. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:317-333. [PMID: 29371024 PMCID: PMC5861996 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This ECNP meeting was designed to build bridges between different constituencies of mental illness treatment researchers from a range of backgrounds with a specific focus on enhancing the development of novel, evidence based, psychological treatments. In particular we wished to explore the potential for basic neuroscience to support the development of more effective psychological treatments, just as this approach is starting to illuminate the actions of drugs. To fulfil this aim, a selection of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and neuroscientists were invited to sit at the same table. The starting point of the meeting was the proposition that we know certain psychological treatments work, but we have only an approximate understanding of why they work. The first task in developing a coherent mental health science would therefore be to uncover the mechanisms (at all levels of analysis) of effective psychological treatments. Delineating these mechanisms, a task that will require input from both the clinic and the laboratory, will provide a key foundation for the rational optimisation of psychological treatments. As reviewed in this paper, the speakers at the meeting reviewed recent advances in the understanding of clinical and cognitive psychology, neuroscience, experimental psychopathology, and treatment delivery technology focussed primarily on anxiety disorders and depression. We started by asking three rhetorical questions: What has psychology done for treatment? What has technology done for psychology? What has neuroscience done for psychology? We then addressed how research in five broad research areas could inform the future development of better treatments: Attention, Conditioning, Compulsions and addiction, Emotional Memory, and Reward and emotional bias. Research in all these areas (and more) can be harnessed to neuroscience since psychological therapies are a learning process with a biological basis in the brain. Because current treatment approaches are not fully satisfactory, there is an imperative to understand why not. And when psychological therapies do work we need to understand why this is the case, and how we can improve them. We may be able to improve accessibility to treatment without understanding mechanisms. But for treatment innovation and improvement, mechanistic insights may actually help. Applying neuroscience in this way will become an additional mission for ECNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy M Goodwin
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Andersson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Browning
- University Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Andrew Jones
- Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Bedford St South, Liverpool L697ZA, UK
| | - Johanna Lass-Hennemann
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Saarland University, D- 66123 Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Nt Månsson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, SE-75105, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carolin Moessnang
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elske Salemink
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129B, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alvaro Sanchez
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Henri Dunantlaan 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Linda van Zutphen
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Universiteitssingel 40; 6229 ER, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Renée M Visser
- Medical Research Council Cognition & Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK
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18
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Schroyens N, Beckers T, Kindt M. In Search for Boundary Conditions of Reconsolidation: A Failure of Fear Memory Interference. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:65. [PMID: 28469565 PMCID: PMC5395559 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The presentation of a fear memory cue can result in mere memory retrieval, destabilization of the reactivated memory trace, or the formation of an extinction memory. The interaction between the degree of novelty during reactivation and previous learning conditions is thought to determine the outcome of a reactivation session. This study aimed to evaluate whether contextual novelty can prevent cue-induced destabilization and disruption of a fear memory acquired by non-asymptotic learning. To this end, fear memory was reactivated in a novel context or in the original context of learning, and fear memory reactivation was followed by the administration of propranolol, an amnestic drug. Remarkably, fear memory was not impaired by post-reactivation propranolol administration or extinction training under the usual conditions used in our lab, irrespective of the reactivation context. These unexpected findings are discussed in the light of our current experimental parameters and alleged boundary conditions on memory destabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Schroyens
- Department of Psychology, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tom Beckers
- Department of Psychology, KU LeuvenLeuven, Belgium.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
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