Stress and brain atrophy

Abstract

Studies in animals showed that stress is associated with changes in hippocampal function and structure, an effect mediated through decreased neurogenesis, increased glucocorticoids, and/or decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor. Antidepressants and some anticonvulsants block the effects of stress and/or promote neurogenesis in animal studies. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been shown to have smaller hippocampal volume on magnetic resonance imaging and deficits in hippocampal-based memory. Symptom activation is associated with decreased anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal function, which is proposed as the neural correlate of a failure of extinction seen in these patients. Treatment with antidepressants and phenytoin reverse hippocampal volume reduction and memory deficits in PTSD patients, suggesting that these agents may promote neurogenesis in humans.

Fig. 1

Smaller hippocampal volume in a PTSD patient seen on a coronal MRI (outlined in red). From Bremner JD, Does Stress Damage the Brain? WW Norton, NY, 2002, Fig 4.2, p. 116.

Fig. 2

Failure of medial prefrontal and anterior cingulate activation with exposure to traumatic reminders in the form of combat related slides and sounds in PTSD. From Bremner JD, Does Stress Damage the Brain? WW Norton, NY, 2002, Fig. 4.5, p. 113.

Fig. 3