Selective corticosteroid antagonists modulate specific aspects of spatial orientation learning.

Abstract

Receptors for mineralocorticoids (MRs) and glucocorticoids (GRs) display a high concentration and distinct distribution in the hippocampus. The effects of corticosteroids on behavior mediated by central MRs and GRs were assessed in rats. Spatial navigation is considered to be a sensitive measure for hippocampal functioning. Removal of circulating corticosteroids (via adrenalectomy) impaired spatial learning. In intact rats, blockade of central MRs and GRs by intracerebroventricular injection of selective MR and GR antagonists influenced different aspects of spatial learning. The analysis of the behavioral pattern revealed that treatment with the MR antagonist altered search-escape strategies in the water maze. The injection of the GR antagonist after training resulted in increased latencies to find the platform, which reflects the disturbed consolidation of spatial information. Corticosteroids affect in a differential and coordinated manner behavioral strategies and storage of spatial information.

Cites (7)

1. Place navigation impaired in rats with hippocampal lesions
   Morris, R. G. M., Garrud, P., Rawlins, J. N. P., O'Keefe, J. · 1982 · Nature
2. Two receptor systems for corticosterone in rat brain: Microdistribution and differential occupation
   REUL, J. M. H. M., KLOET, E. R. DE · 1985 · Endocrinology
3. Hippocampus, space, and memory
   Olton, David S., Becker, James T., Handelmann, Gail E. · 1979 · Behavioral and Brain Sciences
4. Associations across time: The hippocampus as a temporary memory store
   Rawlins, J. N. P. · 1985 · Behavioral and Brain Sciences
5. Differences in Corticosterone and Dexamethasone Binding to Rat Brain and Pituitary1
   DE KLOET, RONALD, WALLACH, GISLAINE, McEWEN, BRUCE S. · 1975 · Endocrinology
6. Relative occupation of type-I and type-II corticosteroid receptors in rat brain following stress and dexamethasone treatment: functional implications
   Reul, J. M. H. M., van den Bosch, F. R., de Kloet, E. R. · 1987 · Journal of Endocrinology
7. Effects of glucocorticoids and norepinephrine on the excitability in the hippocampus
   Joëls, Marian, de Kloet, E. Ronald · 1989 · Science

Show all 7 references

Cited by (88)

1. How do glucocorticoids influence stress responses? Integrating permissive, suppressive, stimulatory, and preparative actions
   Sapolsky, Robert M., Romero, L. Michael, Munck, Allan U. · 2000 · Endocrine Reviews
2. How Do Glucocorticoids Influence Stress Responses? Integrating Permissive, Suppressive, Stimulatory, and Preparative Actions
   Sapolsky, R. M. · 2000 · Endocrine Reviews
3. Stress and the brain: from adaptation to disease
   de Kloet, E. Ron, Joëls, Marian, Holsboer, Florian · 2005 · Nature Reviews Neuroscience
4. Brain corticosteroid receptor balance in health and disease
   de Kloet, E. Ronald, Vreugdenhil, Erno, Oitzl, Melly S., Joëls, Marian · 1998 · Endocrine Reviews
5. THE AMYGDALA MODULATES THE CONSOLIDATION OF MEMORIES OF EMOTIONALLY AROUSING EXPERIENCES
   McGaugh, James L. · 2004 · Annual Review of Neuroscience

See all 641