Description
This book presents the latest state of knowledge on grey matter changes in the brain following stress and trauma. Where do these changes take place and what are the underlying molecular mechanisms? These questions are addressed in several sections, providing detailed insights into the cellular and molecular alterations that occur in the brain after stress and trauma.
The changes to the grey matter in certain areas of the brain are similar in stressed humans and animals, with the most likely basis for these changes being the degeneration of synaptic connections. In the book’s first sections the reader will learn about the core network of synaptic connections that are affected by stress and trauma disorders. These synaptic connections are modulated by dopamine, serotonin and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). In subsequent chapters, the NMDA-receptor mediated plasticity of these synapses is discussed, with particular attention given to how glucocorticoids can interfere with the function of BDNF and thereby affect the synapse’s physical stability. Furthermore, the reader will learn about the importance of the genetics of the glucocorticoid gene and the epigenetic control of BDNF in connection with synaptic plasticity. The authors conclude by integrating the observations summarized in the previous sections so as to present plausible hypotheses regarding the identity of the networks, synapses and molecular pathways that support fear and extinction.
Providing an up-to-date overview of the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and physiological changes in the stressed and traumatized brain, this book will appeal to researchers, clinicians and students in the neurosciences.
M. R. Bennett AO is an internationally renowned neuroscientist. He is a professor of Neuroscience & University Chair at the University of Sydney, the founding director of the ‘Brain and Mind Research Institute’ and has been the president and organizer of many societies and symposia. His research has led to groundbreaking revelations in understanding synaptic functioning. He is the author of numerous papers and books, including ‘Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience’ (2003 with Peter Hacker) and the recent works ‘Virginia Woolf and Neuropsychiatry’ (2013), ‘History of Cognitive Neuroscience (2008 with Peter Hacker) and ‘Neuroscience and Philosophy: Brain, Mind and Language (2006 with Daniel Dennett, John Searle and Peter Hacker). Prof. Bennett has received the leading award in biology and medicine in Australia (the Macfarlane Burnet Medal) as well as being made an ‘Office of the Order of Australia’ for his outstanding ‘service to the biological sciences, particularly in the field of neurosciences’.
Professor J. Lagopoulos is the inaugural director of the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, which focuses on mental health and neurological research, clinical services and teaching. He is an expert in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has been involved in neuroimaging for over 20 years. His work focuses on youth mental health, post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injury and healthy brain ageing and dementia. Prof. Lagopoulos is a leading academic and medical specialist who has published more than 170 peer-reviewed papers and contributed to several books. He is member of numerous international societies, including the ‘International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine’ and the ‘Organization of Human Brain Mapping’. He has received several awards, including the ‘Westmead Foundation Prize’.
Table of Contents
A more detailed version of the table of contents can be found in the card for attachments.
1. Grey matter changes in the brain following stress and trauma
1.1 During maturity
1.2 During Childhood
1.3 Animal Models
2. Synaptic changes responsible for grey matter changes in the brain of animal models following stress
2.1 Changes in the number of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes following stress
2.2 Changes in the length and volume of dendrites following stress
2.3 Discussion
2.4 The relation between stress-induced decreases in synapses/dendrites and grey matter loss
3. Identification of the core neural network subserving PTSD in animal models and their modulation
3.1 Animal models of PTSD
3.2 Neural circuitry subserving animal models of PTSD
3.3 Transmitters and growth factors mediating modulation of the core synaptic circuit in PTSD animal models
3.4 Conclusion
4. Modulation of the core neural network in stress: the role of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor & LTP
4.1 BDNF gene transcription controlled by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors
4.2 Evidence that BDNF gene transcription controlled by epigenetic changes
4.3 BDNF control of dendritic spines
4.4 BDNF/TrkB control of dendritic spines modulated by glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors
4.5 BDNF/TrkB control of dendritic spines modulated by corticotropin releasing factor (hormone)
4.6 Cannabinoid (receptor CB1) modulation of BDNF gene transcription and BDNF/TrkB control of dendritic spines
4.7 Serotonin transporter (SERT) modulation of BDNF gene transcription and BDNF/TrkB control of dendritic spines
4.8 Conclusion
5. Modulation of the core neural network in stress: the role of Endocannabinoids & LTD
5.1 The role of endocannabinoids
5.2 Functional amygdala networks in acquisition and extinction
5.3 Classical LTP and LTD in the functional networks mediating acquisition and
5.4 Endocannabinoids in functioning networks in the basolateral amygdala
5.5 Functional amygdala networks that mediate extinction: the roles of LTDi and endocannabinoids at extinction neurons in the basolateral amygdala
5.6 Conclusion
6. Functioning of the core neural network in fear and extinction
6.1 Fear
6.2 Extinction
6.3 Synaptic plasticity
6.4 Modelling the amygdala in fear and extinction
6.5 Identifying the site of extinction failure in the amygdala
6.6 BDNF function at synapses in the core neural network for extinction
6.7 The role of the MeCP2 complex in extinction
6.8 Hypotheses concerning mechanisms for extending periods of extinction
Appendix 1: F-actin determination of dendritic spine integrity
Appendix 2: Regulation of NMDA receptors
