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Merlo SA, Belluscio MA, Pedreira ME, Merlo E. Memory persistence: from fundamental mechanisms to translational opportunities. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:98. [PMID: 38355584 PMCID: PMC10867010 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory persistence is a double edge sword. Persistence of adaptive memories is essential for survival and even determines who we are. Neurodegenerative conditions with significant memory loss such as Alzheimer's disease, testify how defects of memory persistence have severe and irreversible effects on personality, among other symptoms. Yet, maintenance of overly strong maladaptive memories underlies highly debilitating psychiatric conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, substance dependence and binge eating disorder. Here we review the neurobiological mechanisms supporting memory formation, persistence, inhibition and forgetting. We then shift the focus to how such mechanisms have been exploited to alter the persistence of laboratory-generated memories in human healthy volunteers as a proof of concept. Finally, we review the effect of behavioural and pharmacological interventions in anxiety and addiction disorder patients, highlighting key findings, gaps, and future directions for basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Abel Merlo
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio Bases Neuronales del Comportamiento, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Andrés Belluscio
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio Bases Neuronales del Comportamiento, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Eugenia Pedreira
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Kindt M, Soeter M. A brief treatment for veterans with PTSD: an open-label case-series study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1260175. [PMID: 37928919 PMCID: PMC10620904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1260175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the positive outcomes observed in numerous individuals undergoing trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD, veterans with this condition experience notably diminished advantages from such therapeutic interventions in comparison to non-military populations. Methods In a preliminary study we investigated the efficacy of an innovative treatment approach in a small sample of veterans (n = 7). Recognizing that accessing and targeting trauma memory in veterans with PTSD may be more challenging compared to other patient populations, we employed unique and personalized retrieval cues that engaged multiple senses and were connected to the context of their trauma. This was followed by a session focused on memory reconsolidation, which incorporated both psychological techniques (i.e., imagery rescripting) and a pharmacological component (i.e., 40 mg of propranolol). Results The findings from this small-scale case series cautiously indicate that this brief intervention, typically consisting of only one or two treatment sessions, shows promise in producing significant effects on symptoms of PTSD, distress and quality of life.This is particularly noteworthy given the complex symptomatology experienced by the veterans in this study. Conclusion To summarize, there are grounds for optimism regarding this brief treatment of combat-related PTSD. It appears that the potential for positive outcomes is far greater than commonly believed, as demonstrated by the encouraging results of this pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marieke Soeter
- Work Health Technology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Leiden, Netherlands
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Osorio-Gómez D, Miranda MI, Guzmán-Ramos K, Bermúdez-Rattoni F. Transforming experiences: Neurobiology of memory updating/editing. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1103770. [PMID: 36896148 PMCID: PMC9989287 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1103770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory is achieved through a consolidation process where structural and molecular changes integrate information into a stable memory. However, environmental conditions constantly change, and organisms must adapt their behavior by updating their memories, providing dynamic flexibility for adaptive responses. Consequently, novel stimulation/experiences can be integrated during memory retrieval; where consolidated memories are updated by a dynamic process after the appearance of a prediction error or by the exposure to new information, generating edited memories. This review will discuss the neurobiological systems involved in memory updating including recognition memory and emotional memories. In this regard, we will review the salient and emotional experiences that promote the gradual shifting from displeasure to pleasure (or vice versa), leading to hedonic or aversive responses, throughout memory updating. Finally, we will discuss evidence regarding memory updating and its potential clinical implication in drug addiction, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Osorio-Gómez
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Isabel Miranda
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Kioko Guzmán-Ramos
- División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Lerma de Villada, Mexico
| | - Federico Bermúdez-Rattoni
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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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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Szeleszczuk Ł, Frączkowski D. Propranolol versus Other Selected Drugs in the Treatment of Various Types of Anxiety or Stress, with Particular Reference to Stage Fright and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710099. [PMID: 36077489 PMCID: PMC9456064 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Propranolol, a non-cardioselective β1,2 blocker, is most commonly recognised for its application in the therapy of various cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and tachyarrhythmias. However, due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and affinity towards multiple macromolecules, not only adrenoreceptors, it has also found application in other fields. For example, it is one of the very few medications successfully applied in the treatment of stage fright. This review focuses on the application of propranolol in the treatment of various types of anxiety and stress, with particular reference to stage fright and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both mechanisms of action as well as comparison with other therapies are presented. As those indications for propranolol are, in most countries, considered off-label, this review aims to gather information that can be useful while making a decision about the choice of propranolol as a drug in the treatment of those mental conditions.
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Brunet A, Lonergan M, Pigeon S, Saumier D, Orr S, Pitman R. Response to: "Updated and rectified meta-analysis shows no effect of propranolol versus placebo on traumatic memory reconsolidation disruption". J Psychiatry Neurosci 2022; 47:E338-E339. [PMID: 36130813 PMCID: PMC9507037 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.220093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Brunet
- From the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Brunet, Saumier); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (Lonergan); the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Pigeon); the Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Que. (Saumier); the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Orr, Pitman)
| | - Michelle Lonergan
- From the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Brunet, Saumier); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (Lonergan); the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Pigeon); the Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Que. (Saumier); the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Orr, Pitman)
| | - Sereena Pigeon
- From the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Brunet, Saumier); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (Lonergan); the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Pigeon); the Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Que. (Saumier); the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Orr, Pitman)
| | - Daniel Saumier
- From the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Brunet, Saumier); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (Lonergan); the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Pigeon); the Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Que. (Saumier); the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Orr, Pitman)
| | - Scott Orr
- From the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Brunet, Saumier); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (Lonergan); the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Pigeon); the Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Que. (Saumier); the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Orr, Pitman)
| | - Roger Pitman
- From the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Brunet); the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Brunet, Saumier); the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont. (Lonergan); the Department of Educational & Counseling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Pigeon); the Department of Psychology, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Que. (Saumier); the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Orr, Pitman)
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Steenen SA, van Westrhenen R, de Lange J, de Jongh A. Updated and rectified meta-analysis shows no effect of propranolol versus placebo on traumatic memory reconsolidation disruption. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2022; 47:E336-E337. [PMID: 36130812 PMCID: PMC9640173 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.220072-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Serge A Steenen
- From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Lange); the Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Jongh); the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK (de Jongh); the School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland (de Jongh)
| | - Roos van Westrhenen
- From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Lange); the Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Jongh); the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK (de Jongh); the School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland (de Jongh)
| | - Jan de Lange
- From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Lange); the Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Jongh); the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK (de Jongh); the School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland (de Jongh)
| | - Ad de Jongh
- From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Lange); the Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Steenen, de Jongh); the Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK (van Westrhenen); the Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK (de Jongh); the School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland (de Jongh)
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Filmer AI, Peters J, Bridge LA, Visser RM, Kindt M. Over the Edge: Extending the duration of a reconsolidation intervention for spider fear. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:261. [PMID: 35739088 PMCID: PMC9219370 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologically disrupting fear memory reconsolidation dramatically reduces fear behaviour. For example, 2-3 min of tarantula exposure followed by 40 mg of propranolol HCl (i.e., a reconsolidation intervention) abruptly decreased spider avoidance, an effect that persisted one year later. However, the success of reconsolidation interventions is not guaranteed: Pavlovian fear-conditioning research shows that the window to target memory reconsolidation is small and easy to miss. If exposure is too long to trigger reconsolidation, but too short for extinction learning, an inactive transitional limbo state occurs, rendering the fear memory unchanged and insensitive to amnesic agents. In this pre-registered study, we aimed to find this behaviourally-controlled boundary condition. Spider-fearful participants underwent a ~3 min (n = 23) or ~14 min (n = 20) exposure to a tarantula, intended to trigger reconsolidation or the limbo state respectively, followed by 40 mg of propranolol. We expected greater spider fear reduction after 3 than 14 min of exposure. Unexpectedly, there were no group differences on any outcome measures. In both groups, Bayesian analysis revealed a marked reduction in fear behaviour towards a generalisation stimulus (a house spider) accompanied by lower self-reported distress, with a sharp decline in spider fear scores two days after treatment that persisted one year later. Possible explanations include that the boundary conditions of reconsolidation are wider in older and stronger memories than experimentally-induced fears, or that alternative processes caused the treatment effects. Although the mechanism is unclear, these results carry a tentative promising message for the potential of brief reconsolidation-targeting interventions to mitigate irrational fears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Filmer
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Peters
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lara A. Bridge
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Renée M. Visser
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Merel Kindt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Steenen SA, Su N, van Westrhenen R, van Wijk AJ, Tjia DSL, de Lange J, de Jongh A. Perioperative Propranolol Against Dental Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:842353. [PMID: 35264990 PMCID: PMC8899208 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promising results from a trauma reactivation study on post-traumatic stress disorder suggest that propranolol is capable of attenuating symptoms of traumatically induced mental disorders by blocking memory reconsolidation. METHODS A randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled, quadruple-blind trial was designed to determine the effectiveness of perioperative propranolol during exposure to dental extractions in reducing dental anxiety in patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia. Between November 2014 and December 2018, 52 patients with high levels of fear in anticipation of dental extractions who were referred to a department of oral and maxillofacial surgery for at least two tooth and/or molar removals with 1 month in between were included. On the first visit participants received either 120 mg of perioperative oral propranolol (n = 19) or placebo (n = 17), and a core fear memory was reactivated 1 h preoperatively. The primary outcome was change in severity of dental anxiety from baseline to 1-month follow-up, as indexed by the short version of the dental anxiety inventory (S-DAI). Secondary outcome measures were change in intra-operative state anxiety and specific phobia diagnoses. RESULTS Linear mixed model (LMM) yielded no statistically significant difference in change of dental trait anxiety from baseline to 1-month follow-up between propranolol and placebo groups (Cohen's d = 0.23). S-DAI scores decreased in both study arms from baseline to follow-up (propranolol arm: from 32.1 [SD = 7.3] to 29.1 [SD = 8.8]; placebo arm: from 31.6 [SD = 7.5] to 27.1 [SD = 6.5]). Also, administering propranolol was not associated with a significant difference in change of intra-operative state anxiety or phobia diagnoses between groups over time. CONCLUSIONS The results do not concur with earlier findings regarding post-traumatic stress disorder, and suggest that individuals with traumatically induced fears or phobias do not benefit from the application of perioperative propranolol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge A Steenen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Naichuan Su
- Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Roos van Westrhenen
- Department of Psychiatry, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arjen J van Wijk
- Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daniël S L Tjia
- Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan de Lange
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/Academic Center for Dentistry (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ad de Jongh
- Department of Oral Public Health, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom.,School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, Ireland
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Duran JM, Sierra RO, Corredor K, Cardenas FP. Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation on the prefrontal cortex applied after reactivation attenuates fear memories and prevent reinstatement after extinction. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 145:213-221. [PMID: 34929471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, pharmacological strategies targeting reconsolidation after memory retrieval have shown promising efforts to attenuate persistent memories and overcome fear recovery. However, most reconsolidation inhibiting agents have not been approved for human testing. While non-invasive neuromodulation can be considered an alternative approach to pharmacological treatments, there is a lack of evidence about the efficacy of these technologies when modifying memory traces via reactivation/reconsolidation mechanism. OBJECTIVE In this study, we evaluate the effect of cathodal (c-tDCS) and anodal (a-DCS) transcranial direct current stimulation applied after memory reactivation and extinction in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups: one sham group, one anodal tDCS group, and one cathodal tDCS group (500 μA, 20 min). Reconsolidation and extinction of fear memories were evaluated using a contextual fear conditioning. RESULTS Our results showed that c-tDCS and a-tDCS after memory reactivation can attenuate mild fear memories. However, only c-tDCS stimulation prevented both fear expression under strong fear learning and fear recovery after a reinstatement protocol without modification of learning rate or extinction retrieval. Nevertheless, the remote memories were resistant to modification through this type of neuromodulation. Our results are discussed considering the interaction between intrinsic excitability promoted by learning and memory retrieval and the electric field applied during tDCS. CONCLUSION These results point out some of the boundary conditions influencing the efficacy of tDCS in fear attenuation and open new ways for the development of noninvasive interventions aimed to control fear-related disorders via reconsolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Duran
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia.
| | | | - Karen Corredor
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia
| | - Fernando P Cardenas
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology, Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia.
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