Cited by 330Stress Responses and CortisolMemory and Neural MechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Effects of Chronic Stress on Structure and Cell Function in Rat Hippocampus and Hypothalamus

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Joëls, Marian, Karst, Henk, Alfarez, Deborah, Heine, Vivi M., Qin, Yongjun, Riel, Els van, Verkuyl, Martin, Lucassen, Paul J. +1 more·2004·Stress

Abstract

It has become increasingly clear that the increase in corticosteroid levels, e.g. after a brief stressor induce molecular and cellular changes in brain, including the hippocampal formation. These effects eventually result in behavioral adaptation. Prolonged exposure to stress, though, may lead to mal-adaptation and even be a risk factor for diseases like major depression in genetically predisposed individuals. We conducted a series of experiments where changes in brain function were examined after 3 weeks of unpredictable stress. After unpredictable stress, inhibitory input to neurons involved in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation was suppressed, which may dysregulate the axis and lead to overexposure of the brain to glucocorticoids. Furthermore, glutamate transmission in the dentate gyrus (DG) was enhanced, possibly through transcriptional regulation of receptor subunits. Combined with enhanced calcium channel expression this could increase vulnerability to cell death. Neurogenesis and apoptosis in the dentate were diminished. Synaptic plasticity was suppressed both in the dentate and CA1 area. Collectively, these effects may give rise to deficits in memory formation. Finally, we observed reduced responses to serotonin in the CA1 area, which could contribute to the onset of symptoms of depression in predisposed individuals. All of these endpoints provide potential targets for novel treatment strategies of stress-related brain disorders.

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  1. Karten, Y.J., Nair, S.M., van Essen, L., Sibug, R. and Joe ¨ls, M. (1999) Long-term corticosterone application decreases serotonin responses of CA1 neurons in the rat hippocampus, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 96, 13456-13461.

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Authors
Joëls, M., Karst, H., Alfarez, D., Heine, V. M., Qin, Y., Riel, E. V., Verkuyl, M., Lucassen, P. J., & Krugers, H. J.
Affiliations
University of Amsterdam (NL)
Corresponding author
Joëls, Marian
Venue
Stress
Published
2004-12
Volume
7
Issue
4
Pages
221-231
ISSN
  • 1025-3890 (ISSN-L)
  • 1607-8888
OpenAlex
W2109694255
Cited by
330
References
72
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 15 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 21 · 2016: 13 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 18 · 2013: 15 · 2012: 23
FWCI
5.11
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Stress (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (publishedVersion)
  • UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (900-95-312)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
Keywords
chronic stress, unpredictable stress, hippocampus, hypothalamus, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, glucocorticoids, dentate gyrus, CA1, glutamatergic neurotransmission, calcium channels, neurogenesis, apoptosis, synaptic plasticity, memory impairment, depression
MeSH terms
Animals, Chronic Disease, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Glutamates, Hippocampus, Hypothalamus, Neurons, Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus, Stress, Psychological, Dentate Gyrus, Rats

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