Impact of chronic stress on hippocampal memory formation

Summary

Chronic stress can negatively impact the hippocampus. The hippocampus is where memory processing happens. There are two reasons for these. During the HPA axis, cortisol levels are released; these levels can travel back to the hippocampus. Within the hippocampus, there are GR and MR receptors. GR receptors are activated during high cortisol levels, and MR receptors are activated during low cortisol levels. When MR receptors are activated, it can lead to LTP, which helps strengthen the efficiency of transport between the synapses of neurons. Whereas, when GR receptors are activated, it can lead to LTD, which leads to lower efficiency in the transportation between neuron synapses, as it is the complete opposite of LTP. This low efficiency in transportation will lead to lower efficiency in processing memory within the hippocampus. However, this cortisol

Also, another study found that certain levels of stress can positively impact memory processing, since it can lead to motivation. However, significant, chronic levels of stress can negatively affect the hippocampus, leading to morphological changes. During these morphological changes, the shape of the spines on the neurons changes, leading to dendritic reorganization and potentially lower efficiency in processing memories since the neurons that process these memories change.

In conclusion, stress can negatively impact the hippocampus as it can lead to greater GR being activated, which can lead to LTD, which leads to decreased efficiency in memory processing. There could also be reduced efficiency in memory processing when there is chronic stress, as it can lead to morphological changes of the neurons within the hippocampus.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)
(Figure representation created by the author:Aditi Kampe)

Impact Statement

Hi, my name is Aditi Kampe. Through this program, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into my passion for neuroscience. I got to learn deep into what neuroscience is and what it could be. I learned from amazing mentors and amazing peers about the knowledge that is within neuroscience. Through this research, I gained firsthand knowledge about what research could be at high-level institutions. This program truly inspired me to delve deep and expand my understanding of research, including conducting actual studies and developing extensive research projects. I feel like I am ahead of my peers, as I was introduced to the components of a research poster and paper. Understanding the basis of research will help me apply these skills to learn even more. I learned about various sources for research and read research papers that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. I truly enjoyed this program and learned a lot!

By: Aditi Kampe. The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.

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