| First Author | Ouyang M | Year | 2012 |
| Journal | J Neurosci | Volume | 32 |
| Issue | 6 | Pages | 1932-41 |
| PubMed ID | 22323706 | Mgi Jnum | J:181321 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5311043 | Doi | 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5231-11.2012 |
| Citation | Ouyang M, et al. (2012) Redundant catecholamine signaling consolidates fear memory via phospholipase C. J Neurosci 32(6):1932-41 |
| abstractText | Memories for emotionally arousing experiences are typically vivid and persistent. The recurrent, intrusive memories of traumatic events in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are an extreme example. Stress-responsive neurotransmitters released during emotional arousal are proposed to enhance the consolidation of fear memory. These transmitters may include norepinephrine and epinephrine (NE/E) because stimulating beta-adrenergic receptors shortly after training can enhance memory consolidation. However, mice lacking NE/E acquire and consolidate fear memory normally. Here, we show by using pharmacologic and genetic manipulations in mice and rats that NE/E are not essential for classical fear memory consolidation because signaling by the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor is redundant with signaling by dopamine at the D(5)-dopaminergic receptor. The intracellular signaling that is stimulated by these receptors to promote consolidation uses distinct G proteins to redundantly activate phospholipase C. The results support recent evidence indicating that blocking beta-adrenergic receptors alone shortly after trauma may not be sufficient to prevent PTSD. |
