Catecholamines in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Abstract
The purpose of these studies is to test the hypothesis that adrenergic and dopaminergic signaling contribute to consolidation (and possibly reconsolidation) of fear memory in a redundant manner by stimulation of beta2-adrenergic and the D1-class of dopaminergic receptors in the basolateral amygdala. Combined pharmacologic and genetic studies in mice have examined the above hypothesis for the consolidation of fear memory. The results are in agreement with the hypothesis. Roles for these signaling pathways in reconsolidation are not as clear, as combined treatment does not appear to influence reconsolidation. Current results indicate that treatment with beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta-blockers) alone shortly after trauma is unlikely to prevent the development of PTSD. However, combination therapy of blockers and D1 receptor antagonists shortly after trauma may reduce the incidence of PTSD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA585061
Entities
People
- Steven A. Thomas
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania